Nelson signs to play tennis at Morningside
RED OAK — Red Oak tennis player Jordan Nelson looks to continue his career, playing at Morningside next season.
Nelson made if official last Tuesday at Red Oak High School when he signed a letter of intent to play tennis for the Mustangs.
Nelson was joined by his parents, as well as Mustangs Tennis Coach Larry Mason, Red Oak tennis coaches Dan and Nita Martinez and Red Oak Athletic Director Jeff Spotts.
“I have a few friends that are at Morningside and I visited and I really enjoyed the college,” Nelson said.
While there were other options on the table, Morningside was the top dog from the beginning for Nelson.
He said he was approached by Coach Mason.
“He really got a hold of me and let me know that he wanted me,” Nelson said.
Nelson had also considered Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs and Grand View University in Des Moines.
Nelson has been one of the top tennis players for Red Oak in recent years. He’s made state tournament appearances in the last three seasons, twice in doubles and once last year in singles.
Last season, Nelson missed out on finishing in the top eight in singles.
In 2012, Nelson and Craig White took seventh at state in doubles.
“It’s more than made me ready, that’s for sure. All of the success that the Red Oak tennis program has just helps an individual become a better player,” Nelson said. “Just being around success makes a person work harder and it makes it easier to be successful, if you’re successful from the very beginning.”
Morningside finished 2-13 for the 2013-14 season. Their wins came against Knox, as well as Midland.
The Mustangs play in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) as part of NAIA. Other colleges in the conference include Northwestern (in Orange City), Midland, Doane, Dordt, Nebraska Wesleyan, Briar Cliff, Concordia, Hastings and Mount Marty.
Morningside is a private college located in Sioux City.
Nelson hasn’t decided on a major as of yet, but said he’s leaning towards elementary education.