Wilson Sporting Goods Company is an esteemed American sports equipment manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company boasts an extensive range of equipment for various sports, including baseball, badminton, American football, basketball, fastpitch softball, golf, racquetball, soccer, squash, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball. Founded in 1913 as the "Ashland Manufacturing Company," Wilson initially produced tennis racket strings, violin strings, and surgical sutures before expanding into baseball shoes, tennis racquets, and athletic uniforms. Over the years, the company has made significant strides in sports equipment innovation, introducing iconic products such as the Ray Schalk catcher's mitt, the Wilson Duke football, and the line of Jack Kramer signed tennis rackets. Wilson's commitment to excellence has led to enduring partnerships with renowned sports leagues and events, including the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and the US Open. In 1989, Wilson became a subsidiary of the Finnish retailer Amer Sports, solidifying its position as a leading global sports equipment provider. With a rich history of innovation and a diverse product portfolio, Wilson continues to be a frontrunner in the sports equipment industry, delivering high-quality gear to athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Wilson Jamall Chandler, born on May 10, 1987, is a former professional basketball player known for his 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Standing at 6 ft 8 in. and 225 lbs, Chandler was a versatile forward who could play both positions. His basketball journey began in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he honed his skills at Fairplain East Elementary School and later at Benton Harbor High School, earning accolades and recognition for his exceptional talent and performance. Chandler then transitioned to a successful college career at DePaul University, where he showcased his prowess on the court, earning various honors and making significant contributions to the team's success. In 2007, he was drafted by the New York Knicks and went on to have a successful stint with the team, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess. Throughout his career, Chandler displayed resilience and skill, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world.

Woodrow Wilson Rawls (September 24, 1913 – December 16, 1984) was an American writer renowned for his literary works, including the timeless classics "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Summer of the Monkeys." Born in the Ozark Mountains near Scraper, Oklahoma, Rawls faced the challenges of the Great Depression, which led his family to relocate to California. Despite limited formal education, Rawls developed a passion for reading and writing, inspired by the wilderness adventures penned by Jack London. His journey as a carpenter and traveler took him to various locations, and during this time, he penned multiple manuscripts, including an early version of "Where the Red Fern Grows."Rawls encountered setbacks, including serving prison time, but his resilience and determination to refine his writing skills eventually led to his breakthrough. He met his future wife, Sophie Ann Styczinski, who played a pivotal role in encouraging him to revisit his stories. With her support, Rawls recreated his work, leading to the publication of "Where the Red Fern Grows" in 1961. This heartwarming tale became a literary sensation, captivating readers with its poignant narrative and endearing characters.Rawls received widespread acclaim and recognition for his contributions to literature, earning prestigious awards such as the Evansville Book Award and the Sequoyah Children's Book Award. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of readers, solidifying his position as a beloved author whose timeless stories resonate

Wilson is a widely used English, Scottish, and Northern Irish surname with diverse origins. It stems from a patronymic form of the popular medieval name Will, derived from Old Norse or the first Germanic element wil, signifying “will” or "desire". One of the most prevalent names linked to Wilson is William, originating from elements wil and helm, meaning “will”, "desire", and "helmet" or "protection". The surname Wilson has a rich historical record, first appearing as Willeson in England in 1324 and as Wulson in Scotland in 1405. It ranks as the seventh most common surname in England and the tenth most common in the United States, with 783,051 occurrences as of 2000. It is also prominent in other English-speaking nations such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. In Scotland, it is the third most common surname, while in Northern Ireland, it is the most prevalent due to the influx of Scottish settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. Wilson is also used as a given name.

Wilson Alwyn Bentley, also known as Snowflake Bentley, was an American meteorologist and photographer, renowned for being the first person to capture detailed photographs of snowflakes and document their unique features. Born in Jericho, Vermont in 1865, Bentley's fascination with snowflakes began during his teenage years on the family farm. He developed a pioneering method of photographing snowflakes using a bellows camera and microscope, ultimately capturing over 5,000 images of these intricate crystals. Bentley's groundbreaking work led him to collaborate with renowned figures in the scientific community and publish articles in prestigious magazines.His significant contributions to the understanding of snow crystals and natural water formations, including clouds and raindrops, cemented his legacy as a key figure in meteorology and photography. Bentley's remarkable photographs and research continue to inspire academic institutions worldwide, and his monograph "Snow Crystals" remains in print today. His legacy is commemorated through various tributes, including the naming of a science center in his honor and the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book "Snowflake Bentley." Bentley's lifelong home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and his impactful work is celebrated through exhibits and publications dedicated to his remarkable achievements.