Heidelberg University Athletics

Racking up critical points in field events, Darren Nelson played a critical role in helping the Heidelberg Men’s Track & Field team win the 1999 and 2000 Outdoor Track & Field Championships.  

Hailing from the tiny hamlet of McGuffey, Ohio, Darren’s impact on campus was felt in his first season. He earned a top-three spot in the high jump and the pole vault, while also scoring in the triple jump and long jump at the Ohio Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Led by Head Coach Larry Brown, Heidelberg won for the first time in its history.

Darren carried the momentum into the indoor season his sophomore year. He was named Most Outstanding Field Athlete after taking a top-three finish in the high jump and long jump, and a top-eight finish in the pole vault and triple jump.  Advancing to the NCAA Championships in the high jump for the first time, Darren took third, clearing the bar at 6-8.  

When The Berg repeated as OAC Outdoor Champions that spring, Darren, again, was named Most Outstanding Field Athlete. There, he won the long jump and took third in the high jump. 

After qualifying for nationals again as a junior, he went out with a bang in the outdoor season as a senior. Named Most Outstanding Field Athlete for the third time,  Darren won the high jump and was the runner-up in the long jump and the javelin. On the national stage, he scored 6,563 points in the decathlon and finished fourth. 

At the time of his graduation, Darren held the school record in the indoor and outdoor high jump, as well as the decathlon. He continues to hold the record in the decathlon. 

Darren resides in Raleigh, N.C., with his girlfriend, Holly, and their pets. He is the Executive Director of Compliance at MyComputerCareer.edu, an online IT school that graduates more than 3,000 students per year. In addition to staying active with basketball leagues, hiking and traveling, Darren is a regular participant in the Ron Linhart Memorial Back the Berg Golf Outing, often competing with his former track and field teammates. 

This profile appeared in the Hall of Fame Induction program.