John Nelson (2008) - Hall of Fame - Adams State University Athletics

Hall of Fame

Multi-sport all-conference athlete in the 1940s
Played football as a freshman just after turning 17 in 1941
Left school at Christmas break before joining Marine Corps in November, ‘42
Attended Colorado College while on active duty and played for CC’s basketball team, ranked in the top 5 of the country
Served as 2nd Lieutenant during World War II and until 1946 in the South Pacific & China
Served as athletic officer at headquarters for 6th Marine Division in Tsingtao, China
Played for and coached basketball team to the China Area Championship
Meets wife of 62 years (Sylvia) while working as a high school basketball referee
Returns to ASC shortly after 1946 marriage in time for 1946-47 ASC basketball season with coach Ron Crawford
Earns all-conference honors in both football and basketball two years in a row