Rebuilding the Tyrone/Bellwood-Antis soccer team up from two wins his freshman year to the brink of a championship in 2025 has been a major accomplishment for junior Cameron Nelson.

In 2023, the Eagles went 2-12-1, but the team was young, and Coach Alex Bartlett knew the talent was there.

On Thursday, Tyrone/B-A defeated Bellefonte 3-2 in overtime to advance to the District 6 3A championship game and improve to 13-6.

Nelson is this week’s Athlete of the Week.

Nelson, is a 3 year varsity starter for the Tyrone/Bellwood-Antis co-op soccer team plays on the defensive end.

Nelson, who has been playing since he was 5 years old, states that being a part of the soccer team has been exciting, and says the past couple of years they have been trying to find their identity and learn how to make the pieces work. Now, he says, there is a sense of belief and purpose.

The team has a goal of winning the state championship, and its something he’s proud to be a part of.

“Cam is having a breakout season on all fronts,” said Coach Bartlett. “He has been a rock for our defense all season and has really stepped up as a leader. He has even scored a few goals. I am really proud of him, and excited to coach him in the future.”

Nelson’s family has always been a part of the soccer program from his mom and dad to Bellwood-Antis alumni Quinton Nelson, his older brother, and sister Sophia Nelson, who played for the Penn State Altoona girls soccer team.

Nelson’s father has been a big influence on his soccer career. He coached Cameron all his years up to junior high, and his parents both played soccer. Nelson says his family used the sport to bond with he and his siblings when they were younger.

Nelson’s goal is to play his college, and he is working hard every practice to get his team to a state playoff and win the team some “silverware.”

But it will depend on the Eagles’ game next week when they attempt to capture the program’s first District 6 championship.