A nationally-prominent swimmer in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Wilson set numerous records. A three-year College Division All-American from 1969-71, Wilson earned second place in the 100-yard freestyle in the 1971 NCAA College Division Championships, helping Valpo finish 2nd in the nation as a team. When he graduated, Wilson held school records in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles, 100 and 200 butterfly, and was a member of the record-setting 400 freestyle relay and 400 medley relay.

In 1970, Wilson earned NCAA College Division All-American honors in the 100 freestyle and won the Indiana Collegiate Conference championships in the 50 and 100 freestyles, helping Valpo capture the ICC Championship. As a sophomore in 1969, Wilson earned the ICC championships in the 50 and 100 freestyles and the 200 fly. In the NCAA College Division Championships, he placed 4th in the 50 freestyle and 8th in the 100 freestyle, both finishes qualifying him as an All-American. He was selected as Valpo's most valuable swimmer in 1971 and 1969. Wilson was honored in 1971 as the VU Scholar Athlete of the Year.