Randy Nelson was an outstanding four sport star at Nyack High School who went on to become an All American soccer player at West Point. As a sophomore on the baseball team, Randy was the second leading hitter in the Rockland County P.S.A.L. and garnered All County honors. In his junior year, Randy switched sports in the spring and joined the fledgling Nyack lacrosse team. The lacrosse team played in the Hudson Valley League, which covered Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam Counties. As a senior, he was selected for first team All League recognition as a defenseman. For two years, Randy was the starting point guard on the basketball team and led a very good Nyack team to second place finishes in the Rockland County P.S.A.L.. Standing 5’4” and weighing 125 lbs., Randy proved that he could compete with the “big boys”.

But it was the sport of soccer at which Randy excelled. During his three years on the Nyack High School’s soccer team, Randy accounted for 97 points, which included a then county record of 32 goals and 15 assists in 1970. That year Randy was selected as a first team Region 2 All American by the National Soccer Coaches’ Association. He led his team to three county championships and two sectional titles, along the way being selected first team All County and All Section 9 three times. After high school, Randy received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a plebe, he began his four year stint as a starter on the soccer team and was an All New York State collegiate selection. Cadet Nelson was the first freshman to play varsity sports at West Point since the Korean War. He finished his college career ranking second in goals (37) and assists (19). His total of 56 points placed him fifth on the West Point all time scoring list. In 1974, his senior year, Randy earned All American Honors. Randy also became the first West Point soccer player to be drafted by the North American Soccer League, and had two practices with the New York Cosmos. His five year military commitment prevented him from pursuing a professional career, and Randy was off to Germany.

When his military commitment was over, Randy went to work for the Duracell battery company. He continued to play amateur soccer and 1982 his team played in the finals of the Colorado State amateur championships.

Randy and his wife, Judy have been married for 27 years and have two children, Alexandria 26, and Randy 24. They live in Maryland now, and Randy still works for a battery company that sells their product to the military.