Nichols College Athletics

Charles ‘Wes’ Gregory ’77 was a linebacker who helped the Bison football program capture four New England Football Conference (NEFC) Championships (1973-76) during his time in Dudley. As a freshman, Gregory helped the Bison to a program-record eight wins. Backed by a defense which led the NCAA in pass defense (53 ypg), the Bison also placed third in the nation in both scoring defense (7.7 ppg) and total defense (166 ypg).

In 1974, the Bison captured the conference crown with a 7-1-1 mark behind the strength of a defense which notched 17 interceptions – one of which was returned 33 yards for a touchdown by Gregory. Nichols once again placed in the top 10 in the nation in several defensive categories, including interceptions (third, 17), pass defense (seventh, 72.6 ypg) and scoring defense (eighth, 8.8 ppg).

The 1975 version of the Nichols football team finished eighth in the Lambert Poll and earned a share of the NEFC crown with a record of 7-2. Defense was the backbone of the team once again as the Bison placed fifth in the nation in scoring defense (7.1 ppg) and 10th in pass defense (76.6 ypg). Gregory recorded a pair of interceptions as a senior to help the Bison equal the program record for wins and the third outright conference championship of his career. Nichols also set a program record for fumble recoveries (23).

Overall, Gregory finished his career with a record of 29-5-1. He was the 56th football inductee.