[1][2] As a junior in 1966–67, Wainwright played in 19 games, shot 50% from the field, and averaged 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds.

[3] In his senior season of 1967–68, Wainwright played 20 games, shot 45.6% from the field, and averaged 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.

After four seasons at East Leyden, Wainwright became head coach at Highland Park High School in 1979.

At Highland Park, Wainwright earned two district "coach of the year" awards and led the program to the Sweet 16 round of the state tournament in 1982.

[6] In his final season with UNCW, he led the Seahawks to a first-round upset of USC in the 2002 NCAA tournament.

On November 21, 2006, Wainwright earned his 200th win as a Division I head coach in a 93–74 victory over Chaminade at the Maui Invitational.