Who was Elmer Nelson? What is his legacy?
Elmer Nelson was an American football coach who served as the head football coach at the University of Tulsa from 1954 to 1966 and at Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater from 1967 to 1971. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Nelson was born in Perry, Oklahoma, on March 7, 1918. He was a three-sport star at Perry High School, earning all-state honors in football, basketball, and track. Nelson played college football at the University of Tulsa, where he was an All-American halfback in 1940. He was also a member of Tulsa's 1942 Sugar Bowl team.
After graduating from Tulsa, Nelson served in the United States Army during World War II. He returned to Tulsa in 1946 and joined the football coaching staff as an assistant coach. In 1954, he was named head coach of the Golden Hurricane.
Under Nelson's leadership, Tulsa enjoyed its most successful period in school history. The Golden Hurricane won four Missouri Valley Conference championships and made five bowl game appearances during Nelson's tenure. In 1960, Tulsa finished the season ranked No. 8 in the final AP Poll. Nelson was named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year three times.
In 1967, Nelson left Tulsa to become head coach at Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater. He led the Cowboys to two bowl game appearances, including the 1968 Sun Bowl.
Elmer Nelson was a successful football coach who left a lasting legacy at both the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater.
Elmer Nelson Obituary
Nelson passed away on May 26, 2002, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and their three children.
Elmer Nelson's Legacy
Nelson is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in Tulsa history. He led the Golden Hurricane to their only four conference championships and five bowl game appearances. Nelson was also a pioneer in the use of the wishbone offense.
Elmer Nelson's Impact on College Football
Nelson's success at Tulsa helped to put the Missouri Valley Conference on the map. He also helped to popularize the wishbone offense, which became a staple of college football in the 1970s and 1980s.
Elmer Nelson's Personal Life
Nelson was married to Betty for 58 years. They had three children: two sons and a daughter.
| Name | Birth | Death |
|---|---|---|
| Elmer Nelson | March 7, 1918 | May 26, 2002 |
| Betty Nelson | March 18, 1919 | January 31, 2013 |
FAQs about Elmer Nelson
Who was Elmer Nelson?
Elmer Nelson was an American football coach who served as the head football coach at the University of Tulsa from 1954 to 1966 and at Oklahoma State University from 1967 to 1971. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
What was Elmer Nelson's legacy?
Nelson is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in Tulsa history. He led the Golden Hurricane to their only four conference championships and five bowl game appearances. Nelson was also a pioneer in the use of the wishbone offense.
What is the significance of Elmer Nelson's obituary?
An obituary is a published notice of a person's death that typically includes biographical information, such as their date and place of birth, their family members, and their accomplishments. Obituaries are often used to inform friends and family of the person's death and to celebrate their life.
Elmer Nelson Obituary Conclusion
Elmer Nelson was a successful football coach who left a lasting legacy at both the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University. He is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in Tulsa history, and his pioneering use of the wishbone offense helped to shape the game of college football.
Nelson's obituary is a reminder of his life and accomplishments, and it serves as a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about his legacy.
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