Football and Baseball
John Nielson was a two-time All-MIAC performer and holds seven school records in football, but he is most remembered for his baseball exploits. A four-year letter winner and two-year captain, he earned All-MIAC honors all four years of his career, including the 1989 season when he was chosen as both a pitcher and a shortstop. He earned the MIAC’s most valuable player award in 1989 and 1991. Nielson is Carleton’s only All-American in baseball, earning first-team honors in 1989 and third-team honors in 1991. A two-year captain, he led the Knights to their only MIAC championship in 1991, as the team posted school records for 24 wins and a 16-4 MIAC mark. On the gridiron, he rolled up 4,611 yards passing and 5,343 yards of total offense, tossing 44 touchdowns in only two years as a starting quarterback. Also a four year letter winner and a two-year captain, he was named all-MIAC first team in 1989 and 1990. He led the conference in passing and total offense those two season and also was named the team’s most valuable player.