News Archives: Coach Nicol Steps Down
Monday, February 9th, 2015
Longtime Wolves Men’s Basketball coach Chris Nicol has announced that he is stepping down as head coach in order to devote his energies to his family and to his teaching responsibilities. Nicol has coached Wolves Men’s Basketball since 2002 and has developed many fine athletes who have gone on to provincial and national recognition. Additionally, he initiated numerous ongoing programs which have helped to bring Basketball to the forefront in our region. (See full list below.)
Coach Nicol, who has been away from the College on sabbatical this year, announced his decision this week. “My time away has given me the opportunity for a different perspective,” Nicol says. “I believe my greatest strength is as a clinician. I love teaching the game. I love working with kids in the camp setting. I love analyzing and improving individual skills of talented players. I love sharing my knowledge with coaches in a clinic setting. And what I have discovered through the feedback in these situations is that I am fortunate to excel at what I love to do.”
When Nicol returns to his duties at GPRC this year, he will focus on his full-time instructional load. “Coaching is a very large time commitment, and I am looking forward to having more time for my family and to pursue other interests such as outdoor activities as well as teaching basketball clinics and camps in my free time.
"My players have always been at the heart of who I chose to be as a coach,” NIcol says. “I have had the opportunity to coach some absolutely awesome young men and in the process I have tried my utmost to instill in them the qualities of heart, character and integrity that I hold dear. My greatest joy was the opportunity to coach my son for the first three years of his college basketball career."
“GPRC Athletics is very grateful to Chris for the years he has devoted to the success of our basketball program,” says François Fournier, Athletic Director. “Coach Nicol was highly regarded for his dedication to his players. He would do anything for his guys. While we will miss his contribution to the team, we will continue to benefit from his contribution to the sport through his clinics and camps. I personally congratulate Chris on his decision to focus on his priorities of family and his passion for teaching.”
-30-
Basketball Development Initiated by Coach Nicol since 2002:
- Wolves Senior Basketball Classic
- Wolves Junior Basketball Classic
- Wolves High School All-Star Game
- Wolves Junior High All-Star Game
- Wolves Holiday Hoop Camp
- Wolves School Outreach Clinics
- Wolves Hoops for Heart Outreach
- Wolves Coaches Clinic
- Wolves Summer Basketball Camps - revitalized
- Wolves Basketball Club – revitalized with 17 teams at height
- Wolves Summer Travel Teams
- Wolves Shoot Down Breast Cancer Game – Initiated by Josh Nicol and then continued by Coach Nicol
For more information please contact:
Francois Fournier, Athletic Director
Grande Prairie Regional College
780-539-2230 ffournier@gprc.ab.ca