"The best way to coach is to do it your way," Kershey said, "- and make the kids believe in it."
Nelms nodded. That was obviously what Nelms did when he took Kennett (28-3) to the PIAA Class AAA championship in 2002 and was named The Inquirer's suburban coach of the year. The last two seasons, he coached Bishop Shanahan to District 1 AAAA playoff appearances. He has more than 200 wins in coaching stints at Jenkintown, Kennett and Bishop Shanahan.
When he was introduced as the Red Raiders' new coach with a charge to right a program struggling just six years after it won the PIAA Class AAAA title, the emphasis was placed on his educational background.
And that suits Nelms, an award-winning teacher and head of the history department at Kennett, just fine. He will teach American history - he has a master's degree from Villanova - and psychology at Coatesville.
"This is a dream job," Nelms told the small gathering at yesterday's announcement. "You have to like Coatesville's tradition and diversity. I have a lot to live up to."
Coatesville principal Rob Fisher, formerly athletic director, said Nelms was selected from among more than 20 applicants from as far as Ohio.
"They came from both the high school and collegiate level," he said. "We narrowed it down to a final four and chose Rick. He's a top-notch teacher and top-notch coach."
This past season, the Red Raiders, coached by former Coatesville standout Ricky Hicks, fell below .500 and, in a rarity, missed the district playoffs. Hicks resigned after the season ended.
Nelms said he expected to play the high-pressure, up-tempo game that Coatesville has been noted for.
He was asked how his passionate style of coaching would play out. "I think they need a passionate style," replied Nelms, who is planning to move from Avondale to be closer to the Coatesville community. "The talent's here. I have to get them excited about playing."