Remembering an Aggie: Jon Wickizer
The Utah State University community mourns the unexpected passing of Jon Wickizer, who died on Jan. 29 at age 51. A native of Woods Cross, Wickizer’s legacy is deeply etched in USU’s basketball history and extends into his personal life.
Wickizer attended Woods Cross High School, where he distinguished himself as a formidable basketball player. According to the USU Athletics website, his exceptional performance on the court earned him first-team all-state honors from The Salt Lake Tribune, averaging 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game his senior year. These achievements paved the way for his recruitment to Utah State.
Joining the Aggies in 1992 as a forward, Wickizer made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he earned a spot on the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team, showcasing his potential early on. Over his four-year tenure from 1992 to 1996, Wickizer played 113 games, starting 73. He accumulated 690 points and 380 rebounds, averaging 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage stood at an impressive 54.2 percent, and he was notably efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range, according to the USU Athletics website.
In the 1994-95 season, his junior year, Wickizer played a pivotal role in leading the Aggies to a 21-8 record and an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament. His contributions were instrumental to the team’s success, underscoring his value as a player.
According to the athletics website, during his senior year, 1995-96, Wickizer was one of only three players to start all 33 games, averaging 31.7 minutes per game. He ranked fifth on the team in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 8.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. A highlight of his senior season was a standout performance against Cal State Fullerton on Jan. 25, 1996, when he scored a career-high 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range, along with six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
After graduating from USU in 1997 with a bachelor’s in occupational health, Wickizer continued to support his alma mater. According to Utah State TODAY, in 2009, he and his brother Nate Wickizer — also a former USU basketball player — donated $100,000 to USU Athletics. This contribution facilitated the renovation and expansion of off-court facilities at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, benefitting the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Professionally, Wickizer worked for Cache Valley Electric and lived in Davis County, with his wife Tera and their five children: Katelyn, Kennady, River, Kwincy-Bell and Rock, according to Utah State TODAY.
Jon Wickizer’s legacy is multifaceted. On the court, he is remembered as a dedicated and skilled player who made significant contributions to USU’s basketball program. Off the court, his generosity and commitment to the university left a lasting impact, particularly through the enhanced facilities that continue to benefit student-athletes.
USU Men’s Basketball expressed their condolences on social media, stating “All of Aggie Nation’s hearts are with the Wickizer family as we mourn the loss of former Utah State player Jon Wickizer.”
To assist with funeral and living expenses during this difficult time, the Wickizer family has established a GoFundMe account to help with funeral and living expenses.
Wickizer’s influence on the USU community and beyond will be felt for years to come. He leaves behind a legacy of athletic excellence, generosity and dedication to family and community.