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Nelson Racks Up Honors

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 18, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - He is only 11, but Thomas Nelson already has accumulated a number of awards in roller hockey. In 2005, the River Ridge Middle School sixth-grader won the Most Valuable Player award in a national invitational tournament. The Deebs Young Award, named after a roller hockey player who was killed in an automobile accident, was awarded to Nelson for his outstanding play, sportsmanship and leadership.

Since 2005, Nelson has earned five Top Defenseman awards and four Top Dishman awards for having the most assists in recreational leagues and travel tournaments. This past winter, he and his teammates, The Tour Scorpions, were invited to participate in Long Island, N.Y., for the North American Roller Championship Hockey tournament.

When asked why he prefers roller hockey, he replied, "I like to play other sports, such as baseball, football and golf. But hockey is fast-paced, exciting and I like the contact. Plus, nothing matches the feeling after scoring a goal on a slap shot."

Nelson can be found practicing his skills at the New Port Richey Sportzone three or four times a week. His typical schedule includes games representing River Ridge Middle on Monday, practice Wednesday and recreational league games Thursday and Saturday. In addition, travel leagues and all-star tournaments take up many weekends.

His father and assistant coach, Kurt Nelson, attributes his son's success to two skills, the first being a fast and accurate slap shot from inside 30 feet.

"When we're on offense, opponents expect a defenseman to either pass the puck or dump it into the corner. They are shocked to see a defenseman hit a 70-mph slap shot with such deadly accuracy. Goalies have only a split second to respond," said the elder Nelson.

Nelson also has an uncanny ability to anticipate plays and be in the right place when opponents enter his area.

"When I first started playing, my coach gave me two pieces of advice that I've always tried to follow. See the play before it happens and keep your head up at all times. It's simple, but those two rules have made me a better player," Thomas Nelson said.

In the classroom, Nelson is a model of consistency. He has been an honor-roll student every year and said he has never received lower than a B in any subject.

"My parents taught me to set high goals in school. Getting good grades is important, because I don't want to disappoint them, and because I know that the best colleges want the top students," he said. On a wall, Nelson has an academic achievement award signed by President Bush.

On weekends, Nelson volunteers for Meals On Wheels, helping his mother deliver food to elderly and handicapped residents.

"Whenever we bring the meals, I always take a few minutes to sit and talk with the recipients," Nelson said. "They're hungry for food and companionship. Just letting them know that someone cares brings a smile to their face."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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