Athletic Administration
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Nelson Jones |
Nelson Jones returns to Presbyterian College’s Clinton campus to reclaim the role of Director of Sports Medicine at PC, a position that Jones relinquished two years ago. He will replace Dawn (Youngblood) Ansley, who will step down as the head athletic trainer on July 20. Ironically, she had taken over for Jones in December of 2004.
Jones stated, “It’s funny how things work out. When I left two years ago, Dawn took over for me and now, I’ve returned to replace Dawn.”
After 19 years of service within the Blue Hose athletic department, Jones resigned from his director position in 2004 to pursue a job opportunity as a sales representative for TheraQuip, Inc., a medical and physical therapy equipment company. A Bristol, Va., native, the opportunity allowed Jones to move back home, as he served as the regional rep for the Virginia region. However, the call of athletic training was too strong and Jones found his way back to PC.
“I am thrilled to welcome Nelson back to PC. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise back to this position that is so essential and critical for the health and welfare of our student-athletes. We could not have found a more suitable person than Nelson to fill this role,” said Bee Carlton, Director of Athletics.
During his 19-year tenure with the Blue Hose, Jones was responsible for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries for all PC student-athletes. He was named the Director of Sports Medicine prior to the 2004-05 academic year.
“It’s good to be back,” said Jones. “I missed PC greatly and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to my old stomping grounds.”
Before joining the Blue Hose staff for his first tour before the 1986-87 academic year, Jones served three years as an assistant athletic trainer at Furman University. His experience in the sports medicine field includes both the collegiate and professional levels, having worked at East Tennessee State University and with the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) and the Michigan Panthers of the former United States Football League.
Jones, 46, earned a bachelors of science degree in physical education and athletic training at East Tennessee State in 1983 and obtained a master’s degree in health and physical education from Furman in 1985. He is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the South Carolina Athletic Trainers Association (SCATA).