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District 8 Remembers Dick Nelson

The District 8 athletic training family is saddened to learn that Dick Nelson, father of Jeff Nelson, has passed away. Dick suffered a stroke in January and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 16, 2019.

Jeff Nelson has had a 30+ history as a vendor and friend to athletic trainers when he was with MBM and Alert Services. He is currently with Henry Schein.  His father, Dick joined Jeff as a local sales rep in the Central Coast after he closed his cash register business in Santa Barbara.  Fifteen years ago Dick was instrumental in having Santa Barbara “Athletic Trainers” recognized each year at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table (SBART) luncheon.  SBART has been supporting local student athletes since the early 1970’s.  SBART features various sports at their weekly Monday luncheons where coaches speak about their teams and student athletes. Dick realized the athletic trainers in the area should also be recognized.  Dick would personally contact the local high schools, SBCC, Westmont and UCSB athletic trainers and invite them to the luncheon.   This year the local Santa Barbara Athletic Trainers were recognized on March 11, 2019 to coincide with NATM (photo/doc attached).

Dick are regular FWATA Golf Tournament sponsors, they sponsored a FWATA scholarship, and for the past couple years have sponsored the CCCATA Nelson Family Scholarship.  Dick personally would visit local athletic trainers and support their events.  For over 15 years Dick supported St Francis High School Sports Medicine competition with his presence and donation of products.  Dick was awarded the FWATA Special Recognition Award in 2016.  (photo of Dick & Jeff is attached)

In lieu of flowers donations were made to the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association “Dick Nelson Scholarship”.  This scholarship is awarded to a California Community College Student Athletic Trainer.

 

Courtesy of the Public Relations Committee

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Far West Athletic Trainers Association