Vince Nicholson has resigned as head coach of Mayfair High's girls basketball team, saying he needs to put his health and family ahead of coaching.
"My nose has been to the grindstone, to the detriment of my health," said Nicholson, who took over the program during the 2008-09 season. Nicholson never specified any particular illness, but said the recent deaths of coaching friends motivated him to take better care of himself. He will also now have more time to spend with his children.
Assistant coach Ronnie Grove and former assistant Ami Kodesh will coach the team on an interim basis, according to assistant principal Matt Eeles, for the remainder of the season. The Monsoons have a 10-7 overall record and are in first place in the Suburban League at 5-0. They travel to Artesia today for a 5 p.m. game.
In three-plus years, Nicholson turned Mayfair from an afterthought in the Suburban League to the team to beat. The Monsoons went 65-38 under Nicholson - 37-4 in league - and are the two-time defending league champions.
Mayfair went 5-21 the season before Nicholson arrived and finished last in the Suburban League at 2-10. Mayfair increased its victory total each year he coached and reached the CIF Southern Section playoffs three times.
Nicholson resigns at Mayfair
About the Bloggers
Prep Sports Editor Dave Werstine has worked in and around the greater Long Beach area covering high school sports since the mid-1980s. Dave sums up his own athletic career as a "Jack of all trades and a master of none." Whether the ball is kicked, hit or thrown, Dave enjoys being part of it. If you have game, e-mail opinions, story ideas or news tips to dave.werstine@dailybreeze.com.
David Felton is a lifelong sports fan who began covering prep athletics in 1990. He's lived and worked in Long Beach since 2000 and has developed a deep respect and appreciation for the athletic history of this community. Email him at dave.felton@dailybreeze.com.
Robert Morales began covering prep sports in the greater Long Beach area in 2007. When a local football coach asked him how he felt about reporting on preps after many years of covering boxing, auto racing and various other sports, he replied, "Hey, if I'm going to cover prep sports anywhere, I'm glad it's this area because of the level of athletics, the intensity displayed by the athletes and coaches and the support of the community." Email him at robert.morales@dailybreeze.com.
Leave a comment