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Click Here 48 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, February 26, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 6, 2004 Jeff Nelson North Medford High School, 1991 By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune For someone who graduated from George Fox University a decade ago, Jeff Nelson has spent a lot of time at his alma mater. For good reason. Nelson, who first made his mark as a soccer goalkeeper at North Medford, then did likewise at George Fox, has returned to the Newberg school each of the past two years to be inducted into its Hall of Fame. Last year, his 1993 Bruins team that went to nationals was honored. Last Friday, he was introduced for his individual accomplishments. "That was pretty cool," says the 30-year-old, who lives in nearby Dundee and works in Beaverton for Solectron Corporation, a global electronics manufacturing company. Nelson has also coached the George Fox goalies the past two seasons "just for fun. It keeps me sane and plugged into soccer." Advertisement He also has his faith and family to keep him grounded. He became a Christian while attending George Fox and met his wife, Christy, there. They’ve been married eight years and have two children, Asianna, 4½ , and Leila, 3, with a third child on the way. Nelson clearly was plugged into soccer at North, helping the Black Tornado to the state playoffs his junior and season seasons under coach Larry Crain. It made it to the quarterfinals his senior year, losing to Wilson and ending up 13-1-3. In November, Nelson watched North upset Southridge, 2-1 in overtime, in the state playoffs. "It was good to see them," he says. " It reminded me of my high school days. We had a good senior run, and a good run my junior year as well." After earning all-Southern Oregon Conference and all-state honors, Nelson tried to attend Azusa Pacific, but the California school didn’t offer a scholarship. About the same time, George Fox made a pitch for him. From 1991-94, Nelson set records for lowest goals-against average in a season (0.71 in ‘93) and career (0.92) and most season shutouts (14 in ‘93) and career (34). He was NAIA goalkeeper of the year as a senior in ‘94 and the team’s MVP. After two years of playing professionally with the Cascade Surge out of Salem, Nelson settled into his business career. "I considered it a blessing to play as long as I did," says Nelson, who still competes in a premier league. After college, where he studied business and psychology, Nelson lived in Colorado and Arizona before returning to Oregon. He represents Solectron, a $10 billion company, as an account manager for a single major electronics company. His client has entities in the United States as well as in various overseas locations. "It keeps me going," he says. "It’s been interesting." Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times