It’s his passion that sets him apart.
Britton-Hecla girls basketball coach Terry Nelson is passionate about basketball and about helping players develop their potential, but he’s just as passionate about helping them become good people.
In recognition of his efforts during a 36-year (and counting) coaching career, Nelson was the first recipient of the Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence Award and was recognized at the Class A state girls basketball tournament in Brookings on Friday.
Luitjens, a Britton native, is the all-time wins leader in South Dakota basketball history. He recently passed away and the South Dakota High School Activities Association has partnered with his family to establish the award that will be presented to one girls basketball coach and one boys basketball coach each year. The awards will be presented to active head coaches who strive to make a difference in the lives of their students and community.
That’s exactly what Nelson has done for 36 years in what he describes as a
“lifestyle,” not a job.
“The most fun, and what I’m most proud of, is just seeing the kids get better,” said Nelson. “And I think the key to motivating them is just making contact with them. It’s the kids I have to take care of and keep track of, and it’s important to know what they are about. To me, it’s all about the kids, and they are the only ones I worry about. Make sure they know you care.”
Nelson has won a number of awards during his career, but he points to the award in honor of Luitjens as being at the top of his list.
“This one ranks pretty much on top since I knew Larry.”
In describing Luitjens, family members said he understood the power of positive words and spoke life into his players, often going the extra mile to ensure his players and their families had all they needed to truly be successful not just on the floor, but in life. Nelson ascribes to that same philosophy.
“High school sports in general are about character development rather than just your athletic ability,” said Britton-Hecla senior Jayden Bender. “Coach Nelson is a huge part of that. He’s developing better people, not just better athletes.”
“It is a great honor for Terry to receive the first-ever Larry Luitjens award,” noted B-H Athletic Director Stephanie Symens. “Terry always has a positive attitude and cares for the kids like they were his own.”
Nelson comes by that caring attitude naturally. He points to his father, Roger, as his biggest role model. His father played on a national championship basketball team at the University of South Dakota and was also a long-time coach.
“I’m just doing what Dad did,” stressed Nelson. “When I was growing up we had five of us kids, but I was also used to having other kids in the house all the time. We always had an open house to anybody and you didn’t have to be out for sports. I don’t know how many kids have stayed with me through the years, but that’s what it’s all about – having a positive influence on other people.”
That influence comes through 36 years of experience, but he also has high expectations.
“He wants everyone to be coachable and to listen to him,” said
B-H senior Addison Wade. “You have to make eye contact and you have to talk. And after every game we lost he said, ‘I still love you.’”
“It’s definitely a team effort,” added Faith Small, also a senior on this year’s B-H basketball squad. “And he tells us we’re like grandkids to him and more like family than a basketball team.”
“Coach Nelson has taught me so much not only in the game of basketball but in life as well,” noted Tiyanna Schott, who also wrapped up her career as a Lady Brave this spring. “He inspires me to have self-discipline and to work hard in everything I do in life because nothing is given for free.”
His players also all agreed on one thing – Coach Nelson is loud. His booming voice giving encouragement from the sidelines has become legendary.
“I can chew some butt but then joke with them afterwards,” chuckled Nelson. “I have the bark but not the bite.”
Nelson’s nominators for the award echoed what his players expressed.
“In his 36 years of coaching, Mr. Nelson’s dedication to bringing out the best in each athlete regardless of ability has been second to none. His genuine level of interest in all aspects of the kids’ lives supersedes all other intentions and duties. He truly cares about all athletes, not just those on his teams.
“To see Coach Nelson is to know Coach Nelson,” added the nominators. “He truly wears his vibrant personality on his sleeves. It is that spirited, boisterous personality, however, that draws people, including athletes, in. Terry is upfront and honest, delivering advice and criticism to maximize each player’s ability and to keep each athlete accountable. At practices, during games, and even outside of sporting events, Coach Nelson keeps things fun and positive.”
Nelson’s influence has covered the state. After graduation from Flandreau High School the coaching bug really bit when he was playing basketball for Huron College, coaching the school’s junior varsity team and an intramural squad. His first coaching job was in Deubrook, and he had stints at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Chamberlain, Hecla, Frederick-Hecla, and Britton-Hecla, both as the head boys and now, for the second time, for girls basketball.
Along the way he has received state junior high Coach of the Year honors for basketball and football, has numerous regional Coach of the Year awards, was named to the Flandreau Athletic Hall of Fame, and was named the National Federation of High School Basketball Coach of the Year for South Dakota for girls basketball.
But it’s not the accolades that have kept Nelson on the bench for 36 seasons, it’s his true love for kids.
The photo taken at the award presentation on Friday maybe says it best. Nelson is flanked by a number of the athletes he coached through the years, all of whom made the trip to honor their mentor. In fact, Nelson jokes that the first players he coached are now eligible for Social Security. Yes, his 36-year career has certainly been much more than a job – it truly has been a lifestyle. And hundreds of athletes have been the beneficiaries of that lifetime of dedication.
