Guy Nelson
High School Honors
3 football letters. All-PIL defensive end as a junior and senior; Honorable Mention All-State as ajunior and senior; on Oregon Shrine all-star team as senior.
Post-High School Career
A two-year starting linebacker at Walla Walla Community College; outside linebacker and special team player at Portland State University for two years; starter as a senior. Earned B.A. degree in Urban and Public Affairs. Has served for over 30 years as an Oregon State trooper in the Willamette Valley.
Commentary
I was raised by a single parent who worked tirelessly to keep me engaged and out of trouble. For my mom, that meant finding something constructive to fill my time — and that something was sports. From an early age, my free time was devoted to athletics and the pursuit of excellence in whatever sport I was playing. I wasn’t just focused on improving myself; I was committed to helping my team reach its highest potential.
My love for sports began early and quickly became a year-round commitment. Encouraged to stay active, I embraced the challenge. My mom spent countless hours driving me across the city to practices, games, and tournaments. Her unwavering support, along with the encouragement of my family, teammates, and coaches, shaped some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my life — especially during my time at Benson High School.
Through sports, I learned lessons that have stayed with me far beyond the field: discipline, goal-setting, resilience, and the power of teamwork. These values have been the foundation of my career as an Oregon State Trooper, guiding me in service, leadership, and integrity every step of the way.
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