UBC Sports Hall of Fame
For four straight seasons, this six-foot, bespeckled speedster was the undeniable engine of T-Birds Basketball. Ed Wild's aggressive ball handling and explosive speed made him a both a relentless defender and a consistent scoring threat. Whether it be with impressive long shots or feeding the ball to taller teammates like John McLeod, "Fast Eddie" did it all. An annual Big Block winner, Ed's greatest triumph came in the '55 – '56 season; he was instrumental in UBC's first ever victory at the Totem Invitational Trophy over the favoured Pacific Lutheran Gladiators.
As a starting player on the BC Totem's provincial all-star team, Fast Eddie's energy and sensational defensive skills as a guard were on full display through fantastic performances at both the Semi-Final and Final Matches of the Olympic Trial qualifiers. He stole the show; out-thinking, outmaneuvering, and outracing his check continually. His game, characterized by determination and grit, were principal forces in securing British Columbia's very first Olympic basketball team! Ed Wild was the only genuine university student on the entire 1956 Canadian Olympic Squad that headed to Melbourne. Characteristic of his youth, Ed forgot his Olympic strip at home before boarding the plane!
In his final season at UBC, Ed took the captain's reins, becoming the team's top scorer and a humble, level-headed leader. He took a young guard named Ken Winslade under his wing, helping form what has been called "one of the finest guard combinations in UBC Thunderbird history." That year, Ed's hard work and determination were reflected in him being the Evergreen Conference's 10th Top Scorer, and was ultimately recognized by UBC with the Bobby Gaul Trophy; an award earned by a graduating athlete who best demonstrates combined leadership and sportsmanship.
A great all-around athlete, between basketball seasons, Fast Eddie participated in the local Industrial Baseball League as a pitcher, and played Exhibition Matches at the Evergreen Conference for the UBC T-Birds. In his graduating year, he led the CYO Raiders as Champions of the Industrial League; triumphing over the likes of local legends like the Boilermakers, Nisei, and White Spots.
After his UBC career ended, Ed Wild maintained his basketball skills in the Vancouver Senior Men's League. Playing for teams like the Dee-Cees and C-Funners, he played against notable local teams like the Harlem Nocturnes, visiting teams like the Harlem Globetrotters, and even, the UBC T-Birds themselves! Fast Eddie was invited to play in the 1959 World Championships in Chile, where he helped Canada defeat the Soviet Union for a historic first time victory with a stunning 63 – 54 upset victory.
Passing on in 2020, he had built a beautiful life with his wife, Denise O'Brien, whom he met in the Olympic Village so many years ago in Melbourne.
