CLINTON, S.C. - Presbyterian College head football coach Harold Nichols was
recently inducted into the New Smyrna Beach H.S. Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have gone on to exceptional
accomplishments since leaving New Smyrna Beach. The program demonstrates to the
students still in school, and to the community in general, the outstanding
achievements of many successful graduates of New Smyrna Beach H.S. who have
gone on to be inventors, scholars, writers, lawyers, politicians, educators,
healthcare providers, business executives, athletes and many other professions.
Nichols, a 1985 graduate of New Smyrna Beach H.S., attended PC, graduating in
1989 with a degree in political science. While in high school, Nichols threw
for a school-record 1,429 yards his senior campaign.
From 1992-1996, he was an assistant coach at Georgia Southern before returning
to his alma mater from 1996-2000. He then left for Rhode Island, where he
coached from 2000-2008. Prior to joining the Blue Hose as the head coach Jan.
14, 2009, he was the assistant head coach at Bucknell.
During his first season with PC, Nichols had three student-athletes earn
all-conference honors. Justin Bethel, Patrick McKoy and Matt Quinn garnered
second-team all-conference accolades while Matt Freeman was named to the
all-academic team and was named academic all-district by ESPN The Magazine.
Nichols also coached Lance Byrd, who earned three Big South Freshman of the
Week honors. On Nov. 9, Byrd rushed for a school-record 274 yards in his first
career start. Patrick Morgano won the weekly award once.
With virtually everyone returning from the 2009 campaign, Nichols will continue
to build his Hall of Fame career in 2010.
Nichols was one of six New Smyrna Beach H.S. graduates to be honored Jan. 30.
