Cumberland Pioneer, Wally Nelson, passes at 98
VINELAND - Cumberland Athletics is saddened to share the news of pioneer coach, Wally Nelson. Coach Nelson passed on February 13 after a full 98 years of life.
Wally Nelson started the Baseball and Men's Basketball program at Cumberland County College, leading the Trojans (the original mascot of Cumberland CC) as head coach of both programs from 1969 through 1981. He would later serve Cumberland CC as Athletic Director from 1974 through 1981 as he was instrumental in the design, funding, and ultimately building the Baseball Field that has remained the home of Cumberland Baseball to this day.
Director of Athletics, Jonathan Dijamco, shared his thoughts on Wally Nelson. "Meeting Wally Nelson within weeks of becoming the Director of Athletics at RCSJ-Cumberland was an immense honor and a memorable moment for me on a personal level. My start at Cumberland began as an assistant baseball coach so I can attest to his long lasting impact to our campus and Athletic department. His legacy will live on in each student-athlete who puts on a Cumberland uniform."
In September 2019, Wally Nelson was honored by Cumberland County College staff and former student-athletes. Click the link below for the full gallery of the event: