Inductees

Jim Nelson coached at Jewell from 1950-1990. Nelson had the longest tenured coaching career in the history of Jewell athletics. During his illustrious career he served as assistant football coach, head football coach, head men’s basketball coach, head women’s basketball coach, cross country coach, track coach, and tennis coach. Nelson came to Jewell with Dr. Norris Patterson in the fall of 1950.

Nelson’s remarkable coaching skills are apparent through his teams’ records. During his time at Jewell eight of his men’s basketball teams won MCAU titles with three of those teams winning the NAIA District 16 title and participating in the NAIA National Tournament. The 1960 squad finished in fourth place at the tournament. Nelson’s track team won the MCAU title and three of his football teams won conference titles. Three of his tennis teams and four of his women’s basketball teams also won conference championships.