The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Story by The562 high school intern Eddie Becker
“It ain’t about how hard you get hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
The Rocky Balboa quote resonates deeply with the 2024 Wilson football team. After five long seasons the Bruins are back in the CIF playoffs, and no one has exemplified the Rocky mentality more than linebacker Jalen Nelson and center Cole Smullen.
On October 21st, 2022, Nelson tackled a Lakewood player near the goal line but did not get up. After a 45-minute delay, the sophomore linebacker was taken off Wilson’s field in an ambulance after suffering a broken leg. Nelson would not return to the field for 348 days.
On September 8th, 2023, Cole Smullen had a strikingly similar experience in a home game against Cal. The offensive lineman broke his leg and spent days in the hospital recovering. Bruins and their fans were left in shock, experiencing a moment of déjà vu.
Nelson and Smullen have that shared trauma, and the similarities don’t end there. Driven by resilience and courage, both players have started and finished every game for the Bruins this season. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, after missing almost his entire junior season, Nelson leads the Moore League in tackles with 82. (According to MaxPreps)
“I want to inspire the future generation by the way I put in the work, got back on the field, and balled out,” said Nelson, who also has five tackles for loss, a sack, two QB hurries, and a fumble recovery as a senior captain of the defense, “It’s awesome being back on the field, playing with my brothers.”
The junior Smullen (6’2″, 235 pounds) has been a force to be reckoned with in the center of the Wilson offensive line.
Wilson is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, thanks to the efforts of players and leaders like Nelson and Smullen. They have made a huge impact, both on and off the field, to help the team get to where they are.
No one is more grateful for these players than head coach Travis Clark, who said, “How will you be remembered? Are they going to bury you, or will they be dusting off your picture on the wall every ten years?”
Nelson and Smullen have inspired many people throughout their journey, especially teammates. They serve as an amazing example of true strength and the ability to rise up when you’ve fallen. While these athletes might be remembered for their injuries, stats, or comebacks, one thing is for certain—they want to be remembered as champions.
Wilson hosts Victor Valley in the first round of the CIF playoffs tonight.
