Sports have always been a big part of Reid Nelson’s life. A senior at Elkhorn South High School, Nelson played basketball and participated on the Elkhorn South Track team all four years. He comes by his track and field talent naturally. His dad was a track athlete for Nebraska Wesleyan University, his brother Jake was on the track and field team at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), and his brother Alex is currently a sprinter on the UNL track team.
Tim Ebers, Elkhorn South Track Head Coach, believes Reid’s versatility and coachability help him stand out from the pack. “He is a fierce competitor, while having a very humble spirit. This is a very special quality. Reid is willing to put in extra time at practice since he is a multi-event athlete. His poise, focus, and ability to make adjustments during his high jump competitions have stood out to me over the years. We are fortunate to have him on our team.”
Nelson is grateful for his 2019 State Championship Class A High Jump and Class A Long Jump titles, especially since the track and field season was derailed by COVID-19 in 2020. “Missing last season was hard, but this group of guys has bounced back ready and eager to compete,” he said. “Although most of track is individualized, winning the state meet as a team is our number one goal.”
In fourth grade, Nelson became a member of the West Omaha Track Club, which allowed him to try multiple events until he discovered that high jump and long jump were his favorites. Because of his lifelong participation in sports, he’s also battled his share of injuries throughout his high school career. “These injuries have made me appreciate how lucky I am because I have been able to work through them and improve. Sports have been a big part of my life, and I am thankful I have been able to stay involved and compete.”
Due to COVID-19, college recruiting was challenging, but Nelson committed to UNL to continue his track career at a Division 1 school like his brothers. “I am a natural competitor and love a challenge. I am not afraid of putting in hard work and always work to improve.”
