Wade Nelson is a 1975 graduate of Avon Lake High School. A two-sport athlete, he earned seven varsity letters - three in football and four in track. He distinguished himself in football as an Offensive Back of the Year, Most Valuable Player of the Southwestern Conference, Co-Back of the Year in the District, and All-State second team.

As a four-year letter winner in track, Wade earned Southwestern Conference MVP honors and set several school records, enabling him to become the highest point scorer in Avon Lake’s history.

Wade was a three year participant in the Lorain County Decathalon and captured First Place his senior year. He still is the only athlete to score over 6,000 points three years in a row. In 1989, Wade competed in the Old Timers’ Decathalon. Wade presently coaches the St. Mary’s Junior High track and football teams and is currently employed at B.F. Goodrich.