Articles

Nelson steps down as Danville boys basketball coach

Details

Created on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:25

Written by Jordan Royer

After 10 years at the helm of the Danville boys basketball program, Jim Nelson announced Monday he will be stepping down.

“I got the job right out of college,” Nelson said. “It is time to be home with my family.”

Nelson, a father of two young daughters, spent 10 years at Danville compiling a 135-88 record, including a 22-2 record last year, a season that ended in a championship appearance at the Barre Auditorium. But despite his success on the court it wasn't the wins or trips to the Aud that will stick with Nelson the most.

“It was nice coaching at the Aud but the relationships I have made are my biggest memory. The players, the assistant coaches and the entire community is what I will remember most. I thank the school and the community for the way they made me feel in my 10 years, it was a great time.”

Nelson coaches a number of successful teams and players, including 1,000 point scorer Logan Calkins, who looked at Nelson as more than a coach. “He is definitely going to be missed. It was a pleasure to play for him. He was more than just a coach, we created a life long friendship,” Calkins said. “It was fun playing for him and if I could go back and do it again I would.”

Those same words were echoed by other players including Ian Sackett, a member of last seasons runner-up squad. “He was a good friend and a good coach,” Sackett said.

Nelson will step away from an Indians squad that returns a ton of talent, including a senior point guard in Scott Remick and sophomore Kyle Johnson, who is coming off a sensational freshman campaign. “I feel good about the way I have left the program,” Nelson said. “I wanted to leave on my own terms and leave the program in a place where it will be successful and I think I have done that.”

“He was very dedicated,” Calkins added. “He was willing to help anyone on the team get better whether it was before, during or after practice. He didn't take time off. When he wasn't at practice he was scouting other teams or watching film. The program will certainly miss him.”