Carter Nelson finishes Ainsworth athletic career with long jump gold

Class C and D State Track and Field highlights

OMAHA, Neb. — Carter Nelson finished his high school athletic career on top.

The Nebraska football signee placed third in the 200M dash won gold in the long jump at the state track and field meet. Nelson jumped 23-02.5, which was good enough to win the Class C title by 13 inches. That distance was nearly enough to earn the all-class gold, falling only to fellow Husker recruit Rowdy Bauer of Norfolk.

Nelson credited his coach with setting him up to win the event. 

“In the prelims, he helped me be able to get out there and get a couple run throughs," Nelson said. "He helped me move my mark and then we were ready to rock after that.”

Beyond his track and field success, Nelson led Ainsworth to the state football playoffs and the state basketball championship game as a senior. Saturday was his last time competing for the Bulldogs.

“Us seniors, we’ve had a great career," Nelson said. "The things Ainsworth has given me, like the people and everything, I’ll never be able to give as much back to them as they gave to me. Ainsworth is definitely a special place.”

Now, Nelson turns his attention to college football. The prized tight end recruit is moving to Lincoln in two weeks.

“I’m excited to get going," Nelson said. "I’ve been kind of itching to get there.”

Nelson credited his track and field numbers for propelling his college football recruiting profile to the national level. Alabama, Notre Dame and Georgia were all pursuing the 8-man football player before he sided with the Huskers. But did the Nebraska coaching staff offer him congratulations after his long jump win?

“I haven’t checked my phone, to be honest with you, so we’ll see," Nelson said. "I’ll definitely make sure, and if not, I’ll give them crap about it.”