Hochhalter has been a part of the Blue Jay staff the last six years. He later assisted on the staffs of George Welsh and Al Groh at Virginia, teaming with current William & Mary coach Mike London to coach the Cavaliers defensive tackles. Through the 2022 state semifinals, Mewes was the Jays' second-leading tackler. The coach-player relationship goes beyond the out-of-season sports or the classroom. Fax 701-952-2734, 615 Sixth Avenue SE "Its great to have him around at practice but the best part is to break down film at home with him," Payton said of Marty. Excellent communication skills. Jamestown, ND 58401 Jamestown High School 1509 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-952-4003 Fax 701-252-8580 Attendance Clerk 701-952-4001 JHS-The BJA 1509 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-251-1891 James Valley CTC 910 Twelfth Avenue NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-252-8841 Fax 701-252-3646 Transition Program 1312 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-952-4200 If he keeps it up, it wouldn't be surprising if the senior's voicemail was flooded with messages from college coaches. The Spartans' time of possession only clocked 11 minutes while the Jays' maintained possession for 33 of the 48 minutes. "That's something that I am blessed by and reminded of daily. Jamestown High School (NY) Varsity Football Jamestown Red Raiders Varsity Boys Football Jamestown, NY FOLLOW TEAM 22-23 V. Football Home Schedule Roster Stats Standings Rankings Photos Videos News More / Jamestown High School Football Jamestown Football OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % LEAGUE 5-0 1st Section 6 A - 1 HOME6-0 AWAY2-3 NEUTRAL1-0 She can be reached by email at kringer@jamestownsun.com or by phone at 701-952-8460. He replaces Terry Smith, who resigned recently after going 1-9 during the fall 2021 season his only one with the program. Mewes' one 19-yard reception was all Blue Jay fans saw from him on offense but on defense, there was no stopping the kid. Roaldson started the event by recapping the Blue Jays season. His work ethic, combined with his community relations and dedication to improving our weight room, makes him an excellent addition to our athletic staff.. Ryan Turnage has been named the new coach at Lee-Davis. "My role is to make sure we understand the play up front," Marty said. NDACTE-ND Assoc. Blue Jay receiver Brode Hillstrom was the starting netminder for the hockey team last season. Hometown Previous School . Jamestown, ND 58401 "I say this to our players all of the time but football is the ultimate team game," Frank said. Both have talked about the tradition-rich small town program nurturing their love of football, and Lambin would like to instill some of that enthusiasm into Jamestown, an area power in most other sports. The Jays topped Fargo North in the Class A championship on Nov. 11, 2022. Jamestown, ND 58401 Katie Ringer / The Jamestown Sun By Katie Ringer October 07, 2022 10:01 PM We are part of The Trust Project. "We were still doing it during playoffs and there were so many people coming up and wishing us luck," he said. "Obviously, the success he's had at JHS sparked our interest in him. Assistant Coach: Peyton Olson. "When this group was in seventh and eighth grade, they weren't an overly huge class, but they were always successful. We share a lot of kids between football and wrestling. Knowledge of KHSAA rules governing football. Jamestown High has its head football coach, for now. DelaBarre's squad pitched eight shutouts and the Loboes' defense only allowed 54 points all season. "We got what we expected from a good Cavalier football team," DelaBarre said. 2022 JHS Varsity Football Regular Season Roster, CONTACT INFORMATION: 197 Martin Road Jamestown, NY 14701 (PHONE) 716-483-4350 (FAX) 716-483-4421 Site Map. Then Ill revisit this interim tag down the road., Edwards said, Scott brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and a passion for helping student-athletes to succeed on and off the field. "I knew I could see myself in the orange and black ever since I went on my junior day visit and getting to meet the coaches and see how passionate they are made me want it even more," Mewes said. The mission of the Jamestown High School Athletic Department is to provide opportunities for all students to participate in sports and activity programs that build character, integrity, and leadership, while simultaneously teaching good sportsmanship, responsibility and teamwork. 2 seeded Blue Jays are slated to meet Class AA's defending state champs, Bismarck St. Mary's, on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Fargodome. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Marty began his coaching career in 1989 at Fergus Falls Community College. Smith was head coach for a total of nine seasons at Jefferson Forest, Virginia High of Bristol and Tazewell with a record of 39-45. "I always had the underdog mentality while playing sports with my brother and his friends.". Other times, the kids are provided with a meal at the end of a workday. "Very rarely do we come across a situation that someone hasn't encountered. Mewes said the reason he thinks UJ has attracted him and so many other athletes from Jamestown has less to do with the program's record and more with the community of the Buffalo City. Assistant Coach. Donate to Jamestown Football; Jamestown High School Football Coaching Staff. The 84-year drought was snapped with a 41-27 victory performance over 2020 Class AA state champs, Bismarck St. Mary's. Jamestown High School. Hochhalter and Jackson Walters combined for 331 yards passing compared to the Spartans' 182 yards through the air. "We, collectively as a group, have a lot of experience," JHS head football coach Bill Nelson said. Jordan Jamestown joined CSUSB men's basketball as an assistant coach in the summer of 2020. Smiths other tie to the area is that he is a second cousin to Hampton High coach Mike Smith, whose 497 wins are second nationally among high school coaches. LLM's offense, led by senior quarterback Corban Potts, put up 609 points on the year. Chris Brown, who guided Jamestowns boys basketball team to the Class 4 state quarterfinals last season, has resigned to become the head coach at Bay Rivers District rival Smithfield. It takes a special person to play. Phone. "We'd like to thank all of the younger guys for buying into what we were trying to do," Hochhalter. "I believe that UJ is on a rise to greatness," he said. Then Roaldson, a former Blue Jay quarterback himself, picked Hochhalter out of the crowd. It takes all of us to be successful on a play.". "When they were eighth graders, I think they lost one game. Cavalier was undefeated in the 9-man standings up until the Dakota Bowl matchup. Fax 701-252-3310. The Eagles reached the Class 4 state final in 2017 and made it to the state quarters in Browns second season last winter. That's what this group has embodied all the time. It has grown with them as they have gotten older.". While football has struggled at Jamestown, basketball has generally thrived of late. That's a really good thing. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. Jamestown High School Athletic Director, Jim Roaldson, hosted a welcome home event for the "special" group at Jerry Meyer Arena. Phil Kroeber began his coaching career at Grand Forks Central, but has been at Jamestown for the majority of his 27 years. We see that you have javascript disabled. It was more than 20 years ago when Andy DelaBarre walked in on Bill Nelson giving a strength and conditioning spiel in the North Dakota State University weight room. We really don't care who gets all the glory as long as our team is winning. Success was defined by what they did as a team not as an individual. The current offensive line coach began his more than 30-year career up at Carrington. Jamestown High School (ND) Varsity Football Jamestown Bluejays Varsity Boys Football Jamestown, ND 22-23 V. Football Home Schedule Roster Standings Rankings News More / Jamestown High School Football Jamestown Football OVERALL 10-2 0.83 Win % DISTRICT 3-0 1st A West HOME7-0 AWAY2-2 NEUTRAL1-0 PF442 PA202 STREAK5W Contribute to the Team Head Coach: Brian Mistro. The next Christmas, Nelson opened up the program to all sports teams and the Blue Jay athletes wound up providing 260 presents to children in the community. This group they are special.". Mewes' physicality on the football field has been honed, largely, by his wrestling background. "I know Bill Nelson and I know the kind of program that he is building and has built and it's not just by mistake that Jamestown won a state championship," DelaBarre said. He and Nelson both will be returning a solid core of guys next season who will be fighting to keep their teams on top. Payton's older sister, Kayla, went on to compete for first the University of Iowa and then North Dakota State University (NDSU) track and field programs. Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Having Payton as one of the 11 offensive players is a definite plus. "Coach (Jacoby) Lloyd coaches seventh-grade football for us. Three more Lake Havasu High School varsity football players signed and committed to play collegiate football Monday, bringing the program's total to five athletes. The Jays' coaching staff is by committee and while Nelson might give the interviews and pregame talks, the head coach said there is great value in having multiple people with different coaching backgrounds on his staff. Thats what Ive done in the past at the places Ive been. Fax 701-252-3646, 1312 Tenth Street NE We have been able to generate a little bit more success and you just hope that the younger kids who have had a taste of success want a little bit more of it. Fax 701-952-3845, 1509 Tenth Street NE "Youve got to be tough physically. "We're asking the kids to get better every day and I ask the coaches to continue to learn, grow and get better for the kids.". "I still remember him wearing his Minot Ryan letterman jacket when I was demonstrating in the weight room," Nelson, the current Jamestown High School football coach said. Blue Jays Roundup: Boys basketball can't hold out against Minot, Bre Oettle pushes Jays through to final day of WDA tournament, Blue Jays esports team settling into inaugural season, 'Heart and toughness' earn Blue Jays a spot in WDA semifinals, Freshman leads top-ranked Thompson to opening round win in state Class B tournament. We've been blessed to have really good pieces in all those aspects.". Katie joined the Sun staff in the summer of 2019 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in journalism. Once the weather turns, the coaches will be in attendance at track meets and at Jack Brown for baseball doubleheaders. Clarifies why and how a story was reported. Coach Matt Stockert has been the Jays' freshman coach for the last few years while also overseeing the varsity running backs. The Eagles' boys basketball team, which galvanized the student body this winter in winning the Bay Rivers District title, is in search of one. The melding hasn't always come easy for a staff that averages 15 years of experience per coach. I am excited, it will be a great journey with an excellent team.". Trey Drake committed to North Dakota State University's football program, becoming the first Jamestown football player to go Division I since Steve Carlson went to Princeton in 2015. 1st Row(left to right) Taylor Bredeson, Lucas Schlepuetz, Ayden Fosse, Kelan Harstad, Jacoby Traut, Jackson Steele, Max Rittenbach, Derek Hatlewick, Caleb Schiele, Kadin Snow, Mack Allmaras, Isaac Williams, Dezyon Butler. "I am thankful for everything hes done for me and how hes given me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.". "If you go back and watch that play, the entire defense sprinted their tails off to celebrate with him in the endzone because they were so freaking excited that he got a touchdown. The senior set a Dakota Bowl record for the most touchdowns had in a game with three passing, three rushing and one receiving. But Brown was employed only as a coach at Jamestown. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The Official 2020 Football Roster of University of Jamestown Athletics. "He has a great understanding of the game and a good understanding of what it means to be a good teammate. That's what it's all about. Smith, a former Virginia Tech player and University of Virginia assistant coach with head coaching experience at three state high schools, was announced this week as the seventh head coach. No playoff games have been lost in the last two years. DelaBarre and Nelson both proved last Friday that their kids were in fact the best in the state. We see that you have javascript disabled. JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Jerry Meyer, who put Jamestown High School basketball on the map in the 1970s and 1980s, died at a Minot hospital on Monday. "I love the relationships with the kids and the coaches," Nelson said. Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. The ball bounced once and Thomas Allmer grabbed it and went streaking down the sideline. Wally coached 27 All-Western New York selections, including Shawn Bowman (1986-1988), and Buffalo News Players of the Year David Hinson (1994) and Aaron Leeper (2000). "Blue Jay nation its been a hell of a ride.. That's the cool stuff.". Jamestown's opponents were held to 15 total scores. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. DelaBarre gave enormous credit to the Loboes' scout team and spoke of the team's high football IQ, "Particularly in 9-man football, it's been a lot of eastern schools winning state titles," DelaBarre said. Jordan Jamestown joined CSUSB men's basketball as an assistant coach in the summer of 2020. No attempt has been made to update these narratives to reflect more recent events, activities, or statistics. They've got phenomenal kids and we've got great support and hopefully, we're just starting to touch (the surface) what we can accomplish, not just in football or sports, but in life.". The Blue Jays have provided the muscle required to move to multiple people in the community, including JHS head girls basketball coach Andy Skunberg. His son, Payton, has been the starting quarterback for the Blue Jays since last year. "It wasnt very easy," Mewes said of choosing between the two sports. Ht. Colton Mewes excited and ready 'for a great journey' at UJ, Blue Jays Roundup: Boys basketball can't hold out against Minot, Blue Jays esports team settling into inaugural season, Bre Oettle pushes Jays through to final day of WDA tournament, 'Heart and toughness' earn Blue Jays a spot in WDA semifinals. Jamestown, N.D. Jamestown High School: Coaching Staff. Jamestown, N.D. Jamestown High School: Coaching Staff. "It turned us into (an even bigger) family.". The squad went 10-2 on the year and has gone 20-4 over the last two seasons. "They came out, we had wrapping stations set up figured out really quick which guys were great at wrapping presents and which guys were really bad at wrapping presents it was great.". It's always what is more important on the front of the jersey than what is on the back. Email. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. LLM's average margin of victory was more than 46 points per game. Character Coach: Arrick Davis. Jamestown High has its head football coach, for. He accounted for two of the team's 21 sacks and was the only member of the team to pick up a safety. Hucknos no-nonsense approach produced not only great teams, but many individual stars. Many of those who the Blue Jays have helped provide donations to the weight room and Blue Jays' strength program. Frank, a former college football coach, has been coaching the Blue Jays' defense for five years and is well-known by his fellow coaches and his players for his no-nonsense, straight-edge coaching mentality. Jamestown rushed for 161 yards while the team's defense held the Saints to 51 yards on the ground. Associations Virginia High School League List Grid # Name Cl. Jamestown High has named Scott Lambdin as its new head football coach. Tom Maus gave up his head coaching position in Grafton to become the Blue Jay's offensive coordinator. On the defensive side of the ball, you need that edge. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. He was on the sidelines during practices and then on Friday nights he was the ball boy.". Hochhalter was 17-28 for 148 yards during the championship game. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. for Colleges for Teacher Ed. Thanks to the donations offered, Nelson has been able to turn around and bless the community right back. "Everybody has jobs, that's the beauty of it," Nelson said. Nelson said whatever the payment might be, the biggest thing for him is developing a group of kids that is others-focused. Lambdin was the Eagles' junior varsity coach this past season. Jamestown High has its head football coach, for now. Assistant Coach: Cordell O'Brien. He is the fifth member of the 2022 Jamestown High School State Championship football team to sign with the Jimmies. Jamestown finished 2-3 in the truncated spring season as participation numbers increased to more than 50 and the team fielded its most competitive defense in years. Jamestown, ND 58401 1509 Fourth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-252-3846 Fax 701-952-3845. "To head coach Brian Mistro I would first say, lets goooo," Mewes said. "It's come with a lot of work and effort to creating that culture. Wally Huckno arrived in Jamestown in 1962, and spent 20 years . Wally Huckno arrived in Jamestown in 1962, and spent 20 years paying his dues as an assistant coach (1963-1971) and coach (1972-1975) at Lincoln Junior High School, and as an assistant coach at Jamestown High (1976-1982). It's hard to fool a coaching staff that has more than 100 years of collective experience on the sidelines. Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Eagles athletic director Ken Edwards said that Scott Lambin, an assistant with the football program the past two seasons, will serve as interim head coach for the 2022 season. league team that played in Aberdeen back together to watch the game on Friday. Nelson said the Jays also benefit from having coaches of different sports, like Stockert, on staff. A few years later, the third-born, Marcus, went on to play football at the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). "I was the head football coach up in Carrington from kindergarten on he almost never missed a practice. He replaces Thad Wheeler, who resigned after one season. Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Marty has been coaching for the Jamestown High School team since 2016. Jamestown, ND 58401 Hochhalter suffered a broken clavicle back in week No. Southwestern High School (Jamestown, NY) Varsity Football Southwestern Trojans Varsity Boys Football Jamestown, NY FOLLOW TEAM 22-23 V. Football Home Schedule Roster Standings Rankings Photos Videos News More / Southwestern High School Football Southwestern Football OVERALL 6-3 0.67 Win % LEAGUE 4-1 1st Section 6 C - South "Its been a hell of a ride fellas," Frank said. That's what it's about right there.". She can be reached by email at kringer@jamestownsun.com or by phone at 701-952-8460. Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; The Official Home Of The University Of Jamestown Jimmies . JHS-The BJA. Its the greatest team sport on the planet. It could also be the fact that the Jays, prior to the Dakota Bowl, had recorded 22 passing touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns. Jamestown Athletics Mission Statement; Athletics + Activities. ", Nelson also spoke of the importance of having a wealth of experience on the sidelines that has the ability to coach up every single position. DelaBarre, the head coach for the LaMoure/Litchville Marion football team, helped lead the Loboes to their first state title since 1991 with a 42-14 defeat of Cavalier. 701-952-4001, 1509 Tenth Street NE 909-537-5051. Then weve got to coach them up and give them the skills to be confident in themselves and each other, and be knowledgeable and physical enough to compete on Friday nights. "So when everything finally clicks, you are going to be really thankful. Between coaching the college and high school levels, Shawn Frank has racked up more than 25 years on a sideline. "I am so proud of everyone and thank you all for stepping up.". All told, the kids worked almost 800 man hours, working in the fields, with the clowns or spending time with kids. Since he first started coaching Marty has gone on to coach track and field, baseball and for a brief stint junior high basketball. Payton has had plenty of practice when it comes to cultivating and developing his abilities as a team member since he has not only played sports from the time he was five years old but he's also watched others and has seen what it took for them to succeed. It's just a matter of melding it all together.". Pos. I like taking programs and building them, Smith said. Head . 2nd Row (left to right) Payton Hochhalter, Preston Gall, Jackson Walters, Aiden Heinle, Andrew Walz, Kellen Lange, Aden Braun, Sam Schlepuetz, Colton Mewes, Tuyikeze Faustin, Ethan Gall, Kristen Spanier, Grady Joseph. Everyone was excited for me to continue playing football and thought it was a great fit.". An ex-Marine who worked in counter terrorism after his time in the military, Lambin, 41, has served as junior varsity football coach and athletic strength and conditioning coordinator during his two years at Jamestown. Assistant Coach: Richie Joly. Opening Day Information 2022-23 School Year, 2018-19 Student Immunizations Requirements, New Health Exam Requirements 2018-19 School Year, COVID- 19 Vaccination Clinic Information, May 12th at JHS, 2022 JHS Varsity Football - Regular Season Roster, 2022 Regular Season Varsity Gameday Roster.pdf, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 701-252-3846 Fall Sports: Theatre: Dance Team: Cheerleading: . By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Terry Smith, a former Virginia Tech football player and University of Virginia assistant, is the new football coach at Jamestown High. Jamestown High School 1509 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-952-4003 Fax 701-252-8580 Attendance Clerk 701-952-4001 JHS-The BJA 1509 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-251-1891 James Valley CTC 910 Twelfth Avenue NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-252-8841 Fax 701-252-3646 Transition Program 1312 Tenth Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 701-952-4200 The Red Raiders were 8-1 his first season and Wally won Western New York Large School and Western New York Football Coaches Coach of the Year honors as a result. "The kids were great," Nelson said in reflection of the first year of the project. Terry Smith, a former Virginia Tech football player and University of Virginia assistant, is the new football coach at Jamestown High. Jamestown, ND 58401 It takes 11 guys pulling in the same direction. Many hands make light work.". Clarifies why and how a story was reported. Nelson and the squad have done a record number of 25 jobs in a matter of three months. 2021 DICK GALLAGHER LEGACY AWARD. It takes a lot of heart. When they were freshmen, they lost two games and those were to Century and to Minot and those were really close games that came down to the last minute of the game.". We need multi-sport athletes and multi-sport coaches.". I feel like I know the competition in this area very well, and its tough, Smith said. We see that you have javascript disabled. In his last eight years as the head coach for the Jamestown High School football team, Nelson has worked hard to develop not only standout athletes but young men who are productive and community minded. "Not only do we have a lot of smart football players, we have a lot of really smart coaches. Brian Mistro. Payton has not yet made a final decision regarding his collegiate career. Coach Marty Hochhalter also came from a Class B program. Phil Kroeber began his coaching career at Grand Forks Central, but has been at Jamestown for the majority of his 27 years. Jamestowns boys finished 20-5 last season, led by all-state selections Xavier Brown and Christopher Newport recruit Scott Mullin. Jamestown Public Schools PO Box 269 207 2nd Avenue Southeast Jamestown, ND 58401 Fax 701-952-2395, 705 Fourth Avenue NW "I hope this team continues to worry more about the name on the front of the jersey than the one on the back," Nelson said. "We produce good, talented football players in this part of the country and the (competition) makes it fun. Since the duo has been on the sidelines together, the Jays have gone 15-3. I know of a young man who used to play for me, that when we would get hit with a snowstorm, he would go out and shovel driveways," Nelson said. JAMESTOWN Competitiveness runs in the Hochhalter family's genetic code. 701-252-0468 "These kids grew up together and they played together," Nelson said. If everybody always saw eye to eye, I don't think we would be having the success we've been having.". 701-952-4200, 203 Second Avenue SE "It takes all 11 individuals to work as one in order for a play to be successful. Jamestown, ND 58401 From (Tabbs) Charlie Hovis (who won three state titles) to Paul Wheelers and Andy Linns teams at Lafayette, theres a great history.. Start your morning in-the-know with the day's top stories. Youve got to be tough mentally. . These kids never walk away without something in their hearts or their belly.". "The JHS football players showed up with a great attitude and were ready to do all the heavy lifting for us," Skunberg said. "I have always enjoyed how the community comes out and supports teams even if the weather is bad," Mewes said. The coaching veteran heads up the Blue Jay offensive line. Courtesy photo, Speak to recruitment advertising specialist, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. When Payton wasn't watching or playing with his siblings, he was watching Marty and his mom, Jan. The key is consistency, he said. We see that you have javascript disabled. Nelson has also cashed checks that are made out to the football program. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. It helps in the locker room and on the field. "UJ felt like a great fit, the small campus with the supportive staff and couches made it an easy choice.". His 2017-18 squad was ranked third in the nation and were the GNAC Regular-Season and Conference Champions that season before advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16. This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software. 701-252-0317 The Loboes went 12-0 this season. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. "When people need help, I like being there for everyone.". Coach Kroeber did one a couple of years ago where they loaded a huge amount of shoes into a U-Haul. Fax 701-952-0868, 1102 Fifteenth St. SW Tonights induction ceremony will be a chance to feel the rush once again, as Wally joins fellow football coaching legends in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. 701-252-5548, 1509 Fourth Street NE "You have to get everybody under the same umbrella, pushing for the same cause," Nelson said. The linebacker was responsible for 45 solo and 69 total tackles. Hometown Previous School . JAMESTOWN Jamestown High School assistant football coach Shawn Frank got roasted Monday night Frank, a former college football coach, has been coaching the Blue Jays' defense for five years and is well-known by his fellow coaches and his players for his no-nonsense, straight-edge coaching mentality. The Jamestown Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. He garnered both awards again in 1986, when his squad turned in the first of four undefeated seasons during his tenure. Copyright 2022 Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. The new coach will be Terry. After Valley, the Jays rattled off two wins to end the regular season at 7-2. Phone: 701-252-1950 | Fax: 701-251-2011 | Copyright 2017 Jamestown Public Schools. Wm. It all comes down to your kids, your coaches and your support. Mewes was approached by several Division 1 and Division 2 wrestling coaches about the possibility of competing collegiately. As a player at Abingdon High, he competed against teams coached at Virginia High by Paul Wheeler, Thads father, who went on to guide Lafayette to the 2001 Class 4 state title. "We've done some in the cold and some in the hot," Nelson said.