Roger Nelson passes

[OldHare]

The Argus had the notice of Roger passing away yesterday. He was part of the USD championship basketball team in the 50's. He was a native of the Brookings area. He was a frequent visitor to ballgames everywhere in South Dakota. Roger was the 6'2" guy with a stocking hat and red shirt or jacket. He was a coach and official for many years in South Dakota. Roger was 80 and a member of the SD Hall of Fame.
Roger was at the last USD/SDSU men's game. He had been in a wheelchair the past few games at Frost.
http://www.argusleader.com/story/spo...s-80/81013776/

[Nidaros]

Re: Roger Nelson passes

The Argus had the notice of Roger passing away yesterday. He was part of the USD championship basketball team in the 50's. He was a native of the Brookings area. He was a frequent visitor to ballgames everywhere in South Dakota. Roger was the 6'2" guy with a stocking hat and red shirt or jacket. He was a coach and official for many years in South Dakota. Roger was 80 and a member of the SD Hall of Fame.
Roger was at the last USD/SDSU men's game. He had been in a wheelchair the past few games at Frost.
http://www.argusleader.com/story/spo...s-80/81013776/

He was a great guy and a very gifted athlete. I recall the 1954 season at BHS, they won the ESD and choked in the first round Sectional game. Lost to the Flandreau Fliers who was one of the smallest Class A schools at that time. Roger never got an offer from SDSU and most likely explanation was he had kind of a bad boy reputation and this was mistaken as an outgoing personality. I don't think he was ever in trouble, mostly rumors around a smaller Brookings back then. Clodfelter, USD coach saw him in a more favorable light and gave him a chance. One the smartest moves USD ever made.

[jackrabit1]

Re: Roger Nelson passes

Sad deal... he was Brad DeBeer's uncle and Matt Zimmer's great-uncle. Too many good people are going away this year.