Comments on: Nelson Morgan - A Pulaski County Soccer Pioneer

By: J. R.

J. R. — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:57:54 +0000

My Congratulations to Nelson on his retirement and for all he has done for Waynesville Soccer. Twenty years have passed since my son moved from the Ft Wood youth program to Waynesville. At that time I met Nelson, and his wonderful family, and we spent many an hour together coaching, observing, and cheering on the Waynesville players over the next 10 years. Nelson was truly my mentor and go to guy during my years as a youth coach. For the teaching, friendship, and fun times he gave to our family we are eternally thankful for Nelson. Best of Luck.

By: J.D. Hunter

J.D. Hunter — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:29:10 +0000

I remember when I first started coaching at Camdenton and we played Waynesville and good ole Coach Nelson. He had a strong team in 1998 and then the team dipped a bit and after one rough season where the Lady Tigers did not win very many matches during the All-District selection meeting I asked him about the season and he said something to the affect of, “This was a rough year, but we’ll be back again one year.” He was so calm and serious about it and now look at that girls team. Wow. He was 100% correct. They are definitely back and have been back for years. He is truly a class act and just his presence around the Waynesville high school team will be greatly missed. To have his son write that about him is such a great thing. I wish him the best and hope that he knows how his coaching methods inspired me to be a better coach.

By: Wade Holcomb

Wade Holcomb — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:36:35 +0000

Coach Morgan has been a huge inspiration for me to continue playing soccer. I remember the 2nd day of try-outs my freshman year and asking him if he thought I could succeed in being a soccer player at Waynesvile. He told me that I could quit but I would never know if I would ever be good enough. Coach Morgan has be an amazing coach and Life teacher…….. seeing how he’s been through most of it just, joking coach morgan. We’ll miss you.

By: Ben Timson

Ben Timson — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:37:23 +0000

Nelson,
I have thoroughly enjoyed the competition between our girls teams over the years…there have been some great battles! Thank you for everything you have done for our game during the past 20+ years. Your efforts have not only touched the Waynesville community, they have touched us all. I am among the many who are proud to call you a friend.

By: Nelson

Nelson — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:03:59 +0000

I’m usually not for a loss of words, but I was today. My sincerest thanks to all of you for your kind words and acts of friendship. It IS a beautiful game and I know it’s all been worth it when I see kids I coached, coaching other kids. See you around the pitch.

By: Ole

Ole — Fri, 09 May 2008 03:11:45 +0000

Skylor - you rock! Thank you for sharing this story with my readers and have a great weekend with your Dad.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:55:35 +0000

Nelson,
As a parent who has a child that benefitted from your guidance I thank you for dedicating a large portion of your life to our children. As a resident of the Waynesville area I thank you for helping to introduce an activity to keep our youth active that helped them to develop in so many ways. As someone who considers you a friend I offer my congratulations on your complete retirement. As Skylor said, your legacy is a good one.

For those who missed the game Nelson had a great surprise today. His son, Skylor, showed up to support his Dad on this momentous occassion.

By: Waynesville Dad

Waynesville Dad — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:16:45 +0000

Nelson Morgan through Kiwanis Soccer introduced hundreds if not thousands of kids to soccer as four year olds. Those kids have spread his love for the game across the globe through Waynesville’s diverse military community. Nelson has overseen Waynesville’s program from a sure win for opponents to a program that is competitive with other quality soccer programs in the Ozarks.

By: Dave Neeley

Dave Neeley — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:28:30 +0000

Skylor,

What a great letter honoring you dad’s long-term involvement to improving the lives of all the athletes and students he has mentored. While not all the community knows the genesis of the Pulaski County soccer program, those who have worked with your dad know the character and committment of the Coach and the teacher.