Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1991
As the award winning “voice” of Wildcat football and basketball for 25 years (1954-79), Dev Nelson didn’t just call the action – he brought it to life.
Nelson entered the broadcasting field in 1949, following his graduation from Kansas State University. He began his career in Pittsburg, Kan., and also had radio stops at Hutchinson, Salina, and Lincoln, Neb., before becoming the Director of the K-State Sports Network and Sports Director at WIBW-Radio and Television in Topeka.
During his 25 years as the “Voice of the Wildcats,” Nelson was selected by his peers as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year five times and appeared on that award’s final ballot of three for 18-consecutive years.
Nelson was Kansas State’s Sports Information Director for 1966-72, and was voted the outstanding SID in the country by Detroit Sports Extra in 1969.
The Dev Nelson Press Box stood for 20 years before making way for the West Stadium Center in 2013. The press level will remain named in his honor.
