SWOCC Alumni Association Honors Former Coach
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s (SWOCC) Laker Club Alumni Association honors former athletes, teams and coaches each year during its annual Homecoming celebrations. This year’s event is on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Prosper Hall during the Women’s and Men’s home basketball games (2 and 4 p.m.). The Laker Club is pleased to recognize former basketball coach Tom Nicholls for his years of coaching service at Southwestern Oregon Community College. A South Coast native and North Bend High School alumnus, Nicholls began his coaching career at Churchill High School while completing his studies at the University of Oregon. Nicholls’ coaching tenure at the College began in 1989 and encompassed 15 years as Men’s head coach, Women’s head coach, and Men’s assistant. Nicholls’ teams were twice recognized as the NWAACC (Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges) Southern Region Champions in 2000 and 2002 and made it to the NWAACC playoffs or championship tournament five times. The 2000 Men’s team ended a 13-year tournament drought as they won the Southern Region and went on to take Third Place – the College’s highest NWAACC tournament finish to date! In addition to the team’s accomplishments, Nicholls was named NWAACC Southern Region Coach of the Year four times. At the time of his retirement from SWOCC’s coaching staff in 2006, Nicholls commented that he was going to “miss the relationships built with the athletes.” Nicholls enjoys coaching his former College athletes each fall during the annual Alumni Game weekend that always includes hours of jovial conversation and reminiscing with “Coach.” In addition to connecting with his former athletes, seeing their families grow with marriages and children of their own, he enjoys following their careers as many went on to play at the university level and some professionally. To those that know him, it came as no surprise that someone with such a unique skill set could stay away for long – it’s in his blood. After stepping away from the sport for several years, the opportunity presented itself to coach at his high school alma mater – North Bend High School. In an effort to give back to his community, Nicholls continues working with student-athletes as a volunteer coach at North Bend, a connection that has brought numerous in-district student-athletes to the College. Many of his former College athletes have gone on to coaching careers themselves across the state and the nation, presenting a unique opportunity to step on the floor with them once again – only this time to coach against them. Forever the “Coach,” Nicholls continues to build and nurture relationships that are life lasting!
