Oswego State Athletics Hall of Fame
The Honorable Dr. Richard (Rich) Nelson made his mark on the tennis courts, where he posted one first-place finish and three second-place finishes in the SUNYAC Men’s Tennis Championships. He recorded more points for the team championship in a three-year span than any other player en route to a career singles record of 35-6. Nelson was a three-time team co-captain and most valuable player, and was a two-year member of the men’s basketball team.
After leaving Oswego State, Nelson coached several championship players and started the girls’ tennis program at Geneva High School in the 1970s before becoming the principal at Onondaga Central High School. He retired as a state magistrate for James City County through the Virginia Supreme Court system. Nelson continues to play competitive tennis, and presently ranks second in Virginia and fourth in the Mid-Atlantic Region in United States Tennis Association Men’s
65 Tennis as a singles player. He has competed in each USTA National Tournament since 2001, and served as a captain five times since then as well.
Nelson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1970, Master of Science degree in 1973 and CAS in 1976 from SUNY Oswego. He continued to further his education by receiving his Doctor of Education degree from the College of William & Mary in 1983.
