Half-Back/Guard/Defensive Back/Punter/Returner: 1966-1968
Gene Nesheim, the youngest son of Gladys and Glen Nesheim, grew up a Pointer Football fan as did his older brothers Gary and Gregg and younger sisters Gail and Gloria. Wearing number 21, Gene earned three letters in football in 1966, 1967, and 1968. Nesheim moved around in a very talented backfield, usually playing halfback but also spending time at flanker. As a halfback, he was as big a threat to pass as he was to run. In his three seasons, the Pointers compiled an 18-7 record, winning the conference championship in 1967, his junior year. That year, Gene was nominated for the honor of conference MVP. The hallmark of the 1967 team was defense as the Pointers held three opponents to a single score and shut out three more, most notably defeating Platteville in the Defensive Coach's dream, 2-0. Punting is essential to a good defense, and Gene had five punts of more than 50 yards that year, including two against Platteville. Nesheim led the team in rushing with 183 yards on 34 carries. In passing he was 7 of 19 for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner over conference-favorite Lancaster. Gene's senior season was hampered by a deep thigh bruise.
Gene's fondest memories of his football career came from that Lancaster game. Late in the game, he scored on a three yard run which was nullified by a clipping penalty. The Pointers then ran the halfback option pass and Gene completed a pass to Pat Kneeland to seal the win. Gene was proud "to be a part of a team that truly played together. Everyone on that team wanted a piece of the ball carrier."
Gene graduated from Mineral Point in 1969 and worked many years in construction and as a restaurant owner in Colorado. Throughout the 1970s he stayed athletically active by running half marathons and 10K runs. Currently, Gene still golfs. Gene and his wife Cathy raised two sons Travis and Clayton, and now reside in San Clemente, California where he makes his living as a numismatist, buying and selling rare coins.
- Three Year Letter Winner: 1966, 1967, 1968
- Varsity Wins: 18
- All Conference Defensive Back, 1967
- Member 1967 Conference Champions
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