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Nelson, Edward

Edward Nelson '39
  • Sport: Basketball
  • Inducted in 1978

Edward Nelson, affectionately known as “Big Ed”, was a star athlete at Santa Clara. As a Bronco, Nelson dominated the basketball court and was an asset to the Bronco Baseball program. Nelson’s three seasons of Bronco Basketball ended with a 40-18 record and one Northern California Conference title. In his final season at Santa Clara, the team went 15-5, and posted a 37-34 win over Stanford. He finished his career leading the Broncos to back-to-back wins over Saint Mary’s. That year he had the third most points in the league. After graduation in 1939, Nelson earned a Bronze Star in World War II, became  an accomplished lawyer, and worked to be one of the most respected judges in San Jose. For his contributions to Santa Clara University Athletics, “Big Ed” Nelson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

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