Tom Nelson was born June 19, 1935 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Kathleen and Fred Nelson.
Thomas grew up in San Mateo, California. He graduated from Serra High School and University of San Francisco in 1957 with a Degree in History. Thomas finished out his education with a Degree from the USF Law School. During his time as an undergraduate at USF, he was part of the two-time National Championship basketball team in 1955 and 1956. He worked over 40 years as an attorney in his law firm, Nelson, Perlov and Lee in Los Altos, California.
At present, there are expected to be fourteen men trying out for varsity positions, the most notable being Big Bill Russell. Jerry Mullen, and K.C. Jones, who figure to be the nucleus of the Don squad this season. Likely candidates for the remaining forward and guard posts are Bill Bush, now recovered from the back ailment which sidelined him last year, Warren Baxter, speedy ex-CCSF forward, now stationed at guard, and veteran ball hawk and set shot Rudy Zannini— all guard prospects. Seeking to fill the forward posts will be Stan Buchanan, Dick Lawless, and Bob Wiebusch who, along with Tom Nelson up from the frosh, will seek to fill the post opposite Jerry Mullen. Gene Brown, sensational ex-frosh, who is having scholastic difficulties, and the twenty or thirty "prospects" supplied by the columnists of the local daily sports sheets, will be conspicuous by their absence (TheFoghorn).
