WRESTLING

Nelson, Class of 1977, was a member of the wrestling and volleyball teams during his time at Lakeside. He received the Viking Award in both sports during the 1976-1977 season, and won several medals in wrestling during his career as a Viking while acting as team captain. After graduating from Lakeside, Nelson attended the University of Georgia. While at UGA Nelson was captain of the Bulldogs’ water ski team from 1980-1981. After graduating from UGA in 1981, Nelson was a Young Life volunteer leader for four years at Lakeside. In 1987, Nelson joined the Army National Guard to become a helicopter pilot. He was the Distinguished Honor Graduate from his Flight Class in 1988 and served for 13 years. Nelson also coached youth wrestling teams under the USA Wrestling organization from 1995-2013. Nelson is married to his wife of over 40 years, Mary Morton Nelson (Lakeside Class of 1978). They started their own real estate company in 1985 that specializes in rental houses. Today, their company manages over 7,000 houses in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Nelson has three sons (Mike, Dan and Matt) who all work in the family business. Nelson is also an instructor for GAR and NARPM and serves on the Education Advisory Committee for the Georgia Real Estate Commission. He currently lives on Lake Lanier where he waterskies regularly.