Hall of Fame
John William "Jack" Nelson was heralded as one of American's first great sprinters. Arriving at Washington State College from Pueblo, Colo, Nelson was never beaten in a collegiate race during his three varsity seasons. On May 29, 1909, in a Northwest Conference dual meet with Whitman College, Nelson startled the track world by winning the 100-yard dash in 9.6 (9 3/5 in those days), which tied the existing world record. Less than an hour later he won the 220 in 21.2, establishing a world record. Nelson won both the 100 and 220 at the National Collegiate Championships at the University of Illinois in 1910.
