Morgan State University Athletics

Athelstan Everett Nelson Athelstan “Thel” Nelsoon is a native of Laurenberg, North Carolina. He attended the Barringer High School in Newark, New Jersey. He was he first black captain of Barringer High School’s Football team in 109 years. He received this honor in 1945. Thel was selected all-city, all-county, and all-state in 1945. Thel did his undergraduate work at Morgan State. He continued to develop in his favorite sport and became one of the best guards that Morgan has ever had. Thel won All-CIAA honors in 1948 and 1949. He also served as co-captain of his team in his senior year. Thel has been employed by the Essex County Youth house in Newark, New Jersey for the past 23 years. He has held the positions of counselor supervisor, and recreation director. He is currently serving as Administrative Assistant. Thel is married and has three children, Deborah Anita Nelson, Kim Hilda Nelson, and Athelstan Nelson Jr. Thel is a member of the Varsity “M” Club and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.