The Generals filled the area’s last premier head coaching vacancy this week when they named Antwan Nicholas as the man to replace OJ Small.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity as well as the culture. Like the environment with the kids is definitely great for them buying into the team concept,” Nicholas said. “Nowadays, a lot of kids focus on offers as well as ... they get distracted by things on social media. Biggest thing now, they’re focused on the team moving forward, the environment, building relationships, as well as supporting each other.
For Nicholas, 37, it’s his first high school head coaching job but he’s Riverside to the core. He’s been the program’s offensive coordinator since 2015, leading one of the area’s most consistent programs in that span. Riverside is 61-19 over the last seven years.“You do this not necessarily for the money, but you definitely want to invest in the kids. The kids are buying into it, as well as parents, faculty.
Riverside had just two losing seasons under Small, his first two in 2012-13. He got the Generals on track in 2014 with a seven-win season and reached the playoffs for the first time the following year. Riverside’s first trip to the postseason under Small was also the first season with Nicholas running the offense. He arrived at Riverside after serving as defensive coordinator at Benedict College.
“First of all, to God be the glory for that, as well as a great, awesome staff, athletic director, athletic department. Principal [Timothy] Feagins as well as principal [Scott] Schneider who was here, a couple of other principals as well,” Nicholas said. “Been awesome for supporting, being there, supporting the students and just building that type of atmosphere and culture where we can be productive and successful.