Male Athlete of the Week: Derek Nelson, senior football player

The Beacon: Male Athlete of the Week Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 Why Derek Nelson was selected: Nelson proved to be instrumental in Wilkes’ 45-20 victory over FDU-Florham on Nov. 2. The senior notched two touchdowns and five receptions for 75 yards.

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Kirsten Peters

Male Athlete of the Week: Derek Nelson

Name: Derek Nelson

Year: Senior

Major: Criminology

Hometown: Pompton Plains, N.J.

High School: Pequannock HS

Position: Wide Receiver

Driving force for your decision to come to Wilkes?

I liked the campus and the atmosphere on my visit. I also liked the smaller class size, and Wilkes is just the right distance away from home.

Post-graduation plans in terms of a career?

I would like to go back to school in New Jersey to pursue my teaching certificate at a college near home, and then eventually become a high school history teacher and coach. 

Favorite building on campus?

Sturdevant Hall.

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

The egg. 

Hopes for this season as a Colonel?

My hopes for the remainder of the season is to finish these last two games strong and hopefully put our team in a position to earn a chance at postseason play.

When/Why did you first begin playing?

I began playing in third grade because I didn’t want to play soccer anymore and I had friends playing on the team that year already. I was originally a quarterback, but I’m glad I switched to wide receiver once I got to high school.

Favorite thing to do during practice?

Make sick plays with Jose and Yanik.

If you had to choose one thing about your program that you could improve, what would it be?

There is nothing that I can think of that I would want to change. Where we are now, I couldn’t possibly have imagined being here a few years ago when we were struggling. I like where our program is at right now and I believe it has a bright future.

Other interests or hobbies off of the field? 

Play video games, hanging out with friends and bowling.

Most influential person(s) in your life?

My mom and dad.

 

If you could have dinner with a famous person from the past, who would it be? 

Ted Williams. He was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and his career was interrupted twice because he chose to serve in the military during World War II and the Korean War. I bet he has some incredible stories to tell. 

Favorite meal to eat on campus?

Crispy chicken sandwich at Which Wich.

A quote you live your life by? 

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

What does “Be Colonel” mean to you?

To do the best you can in every opportunity you get in life.   

Anyone to give a shout-out to?

I would like to shout-out everyone who has made it to a game this season in support of me. One of my favorite things to do during a game is look up into the stands and see my friends and family up there. I love you all. Roll Wilkes and #LGM. 

-Compiled by Kirsten Peters, Co-Sports Editor