Robert "Red" Nelson  (2023)

Benton High School, Ouachita Baptist 

​Graduated Benton HS in 1942, multi-sport athlete. Enrolled Ouachita Baptist University, earning 15 athletic letters, starring in football, basketball, base ball and track and field. 

Served two years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. 
Graduated from OBU in 1948 and began coaching at Newport HS. 

In 1951 he returned to Arkadelphia, joining his brother in founding Southwest Sporting Goods. Became the leading starter in the state at both the high school and college levels, starting meets for almost four decades. 

Recall starter for five NAIA National Track & Field 
Championships. 

​Inducted into the Ouachita Sports Hall of Fame.