Nichols coaching vacancy brings speculation

On March 25, 2011, it was announced that Jim MacKinnon was hired as the head basketball coach of the Nichols Vikings. Less than one year later, MacKinnon has been dismissed from those duties following a 10-16 season. According to The Buffalo News, Nichols AD Rob Stewart said "It just wasn't the right fit".

MacKinnon served as an assistant coach in 2010, the year Nichols won the NYS Class A Federation championship. Following the 2011 season, Greg Plumb resigned as head coach, opening the door for MacKinnon.

In his first season, MacKinnon brought in four freshmen: Chris Miner, Cam Lewis, Tanner Schmidt, and Jamar Waters. Each saw extensive playing time for the Vikings this season. Midway through the season, Waters left Nichols and transferred to Niagara Catholic.

The specualtion as to what Stewart's statement specifically refers to has already begun and I'm sure will continue, but that is only one small part of unanswered questions surrounding the Nichols basketball program. Beyond the reasons for MacKinnon's dismissal, speculation has begun over who will replace him, which players will remain with the program, if players who were rumored to be heading there next year will still come, and what new names may possibly be headed to Nichols, depending on who is hired.

I've certainly heard my share of Nichols rumors in the last three days, and my sense is that this situation will result in changes in each of the above mentioned scenarios – stay tuned.

A fellow hoop-head once said to me, "WNY basketball and specifically the MMA are a lot more interesting when Nichols is relevant". Well, between all the speculation that will surround this situation and all the discussion that will take place after the new staff is hired and the roster takes form, I'd say Nichols is once again quite relevant.

-centercourt

125 responses to “Nichols coaching vacancy brings speculation”

WT716

April 26, 2012

If that is true, that is pathetic. The only womens coaches I would want to coach a guys team are Licata and Martin from KW. Joes JV coach Jack Herlan was balling up at the EBC this evening.

guest

April 26, 2012

Jake rienholtz is new Nichols coach

Concerned parent

April 26, 2012

That’s a slap in the face to go in house and not hire your boys jv coach, when did he become involved in the search? Nichols may now lose out on a great young coach

Guest

April 27, 2012

Now we get to see where Lewis and miner go

pleased

April 27, 2012

Its John Rienholz. and this is an “in-house” move. He has coached at Nichols for several years. He will be a great fit for this team.

hoopster

April 27, 2012

Interesting comments. John’s name was one I had not heard until reading these comments. Of course that isn’t surprising since I have had little contact with the school in the last two years.
On a personal level, I was hoping that Schintz would be hired. I was disappointed upon learning he removed his name from consideration for very important and exciting “personal” reasons. He would have been an outta-the-park hire for obvious reasons; he is without a doubt among the best, if not top 3 or 4, hs coaches in recent times and would have brought tremendous credibility to Nichols and their boys basketball team.
It sounds like the current JV coach is a very good one and has a very bright future from everything I’ve read. I wish I knew him. I trust he is the type of person who won’t let the setback of not being hired impede his aspirations and responding like a champion would.
As for John, I’d suggest giving him the benefit of the doubt. He played D1 college ball. He was able to successfully assist long time Nichols girls coach Bob Torgalski, which is significant. Nichols prefers, everything being equal, to have their teachers coach. The belief is that it helps the educational environment and the teacher-student relationship where there is something other than classroom interaction between student and teacher. Nichols also has had some past problems with parents coaching, I’m not referring to Jim MacKinnon, which has led at times to a no parent coaching rule. Obviously John was well thought of because he assisted for the last three years while his daughter started at point guard for the girls team. TML would probably know more and better, but what I saw of her she is a very smart, disciplined, high basketball IQ and team-first type player. I’m sure John had more than a little something to do with that. So if she is any indication of what future Nichols players and teams will look like the boys program should be in excellent hands.

guest

April 28, 2012

Young kids are leaving Nichols is the word and it may be some time for Nichols to be competitive in MM. washington not coming

Gus Buster

April 28, 2012

I wouldn’t expect Nichols to be competitve in the MM. They are too small a school. WNY was lucky to have such a good team there for 4 years. It will be a long time before there is a team anywhere near that good in the MM.

Ryan Ennis

April 28, 2012

Just so it’s out there I plan on returning to Nichols next season and am looking forward to working with this group again. I spoke with John and look forward to working with him as well. I will always look for that jump to the varsity level, but in the short term I am committed to coaching Jv and assisting on varsity at Nichols

guest

July 22, 2012

The new coach is the best thing thats happen to the program in a couple years. watch out

Sick of it

November 28, 2012

Not sure if anyone will ever see this. Not sure if anyone will believe me. But I just discovered this post and can’t resist saying a few things.
Or at least one thing. There’s a lot I could say about the Nichols basketball program over the last eight years. But I’m going to limit myself because the people involved are decent, good people. Jim Mackinnon is a decent man. So is Rob Stewart.
However, Rob Stewart doesn’t care about winning. I know this is going to be met with a lot of disbelief, if anyone ever notices this comment, coming as late as it does. But Rick Bryan (the longtime but outgoing headmaster) has created an atmosphere at Nichols where sports wins really aren’t that important. Rob answers to Rick. Rick doesn’t care about winning. Rick cares about helping young kids learn, he cares about keeping parents and board members happy, and he cares about teaching kids about peace, nonviolence, multiculturalism, and environmental activism (he made the whole school watch Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, brought Bill McKibben to campus, etc.).
So it’s sad to see everyone on here getting all serious about the Nichols basketball program. The truth is, Nichols isn’t serious about the Nichols basketball program. Maybe that will change when they get a new headmaster in June. But Rick Bryan killed Nichols sports programs (look at boys hockey). When Nichols was good, it wasn’t because Nichols did that. Those kids were recruited by Larry Regan and Jim Mackinnon. Donahoe (who is a super guy, sorry Bills fans) also did a lot for the program. The Regan-Canestro-Mackinnon championship teams won IN SPITE of Nichols. Larry and Jim valued the education that Nichols offered (and rightly so, though far from perfect it’s better than anything else in WNY, possibly tied with one or two of the honors programs at a couple of the directional Williamsvilles). Because Larry and Jim valued that education and, in Larry’s case, had a history at the school, they made those good teams happen. But it wasn’t because of Rob Stewart (he came on after the start, anyway) and it sure as hell wasn’t because of anything that Nichols did. Nichols could care less if its basketball program wins or loses. Most of the teachers and Rick Bryan would probably be happier if it’s a losing program, as long as the alumni don’t get too upset, because a winning program creates pressures and headaches.
So I think I’ve said enough. I’m not going to say who I am because I don’t want to hurt anybody. But the situation occasionally makes me so sick that I couldn’t resist commenting. It is extremely frustrating to me the way Nichols approaches sports. The headmaster, the principal, and probably a majority of the teachers just don’t ‘get’ athletics, or like them.

centercourt

November 28, 2012

Sick of it –
I just got home from round one of the Lancaster Tip-Off Tournament (36th Annual) and checked for any new comments on my blog – didn’t even turn the lights on or take off my coat yet. I see the name in “Recent Comments” and click to read:
“Not sure if anyone will ever see this. Not sure if anyone will believe me. But I just discovered this post and can’t resist saying a few things.”
At which point I turn on the lights, take off the coat, and get comfortable in front of the laptop. I just knew this was going to be good.
It was better than good. It was brilliant.
Whether in agreement with your position on the priority of athletics at Nichols or not, you’re obviously well-informed on the entire situation, and everything was written both intelligently and respectfully. You wondered if anyone would ever read that or not? I’ll assure you that it’ll be read by many more than you’d think, especially with the season “officially” beginning on Tuesday at the Pastor-Cooper, and it’s likely to illicit several more comments to this post. Thank you. I encourage you to keep checking back here and continuing to comment.
The ironic thing is, I just came from a Nichols game. They beat Cleveland Hill in the first game and will now face Maryvale, who defeated host Lancaster in the second contest of the tournament.
Preview is coming sometime next week! So is a whole slew of games, good ones too! I think 2012-2013 is going to be a very fun season.

Nichols parent

November 29, 2012

Sick of it- You wrote a well thought out post, and made some valid points. However it’s not all doom and gloom at Nichols. First off their hockey teams had a lot of success last year. Sticking to basketball though, Nichols will never have the amount of talented players that a joes or canisius has simply due to numbers. Those schools are all boys with a couple hundred per class, Nichols is coed with 100 per class. It’s also difficult to get into Nichols. There are a number of freshman playing down the street from Nichols that wanted to go there but couldn’t get in. The current boys team has a lot of talent and drive and the program has a great coaching staff. I still don’t agree with the firing of Jim, but john is a great coach and they have a varsity caliber coach at the jv level. I expect Nichols to be very competitive this year in the mma.

PJB

November 29, 2012

After seeing last night, would i be better off at the Lancaster or Amherst Tournament on Friday?

centercourt

November 29, 2012

There’s a loaded question that’s sure to make a Kensy mad at me either way I answer.
Clarence vs. Oracle could be decent, depending on whether the Phoenix can continue their competitive ways this year. As for Amherst vs. NT, I expect the Tigers will win handily.
I would go to Lancaster. Both games should be competitive, and the first (Lanc vs. Clev Hill) should have lots of atmosphere as the Redskins have good fans. Maryvale was a fun team to watch last night. With the Flyers now in Class B1 and with Nichols having just beat a very good Clev Hill team, the game could have some small school poll ramifications down the road.

NIchols

November 29, 2012

Sick of It’s comments are well taken. Being around Nichols for the past several years…, except for Hockey, there is not a great emphasis on athletics. Rob and Rick are good men and the focus is on the education at the School…as it should be! That being said, while the support for winning isn’t always there, there are high school kids and sometimes, very good coaches, who want to win. As ‘Nichols Parent’ said, they will do a good amount of winning this year. Since the team is basically the same exact team it was last year, I believe Rick and Rob made the correct choice in making a change with the coaching staff. I am not going to bash Jim and the job he did last year, I will only say, watch these kids. They are talented and are now, well coached. It will take some time, but as they get into the MMA schedule, they will be tough to play. They also play a very tough schedule, and that is on purpose…play better teams, get better. They will play Aquinas twice and Olean. John has the ability, demeanor, and desire to make this a great season.

PJB

November 30, 2012

CC thanks for the insight regarding tonights games. I guess I can catch Amherst later in the year. I agree that the Lancaster games should be more competitive and I do want to see Nichols, to see if they will in the mix in MMAA this year Maryvale is always a solid test.

Sick of it

November 30, 2012

Hm, I guess my comment were indeed heard. I didn’t know if commenting on an old topic/thread would be ignored or not.
I’ll just add a couple of things. Nichols Parent, I don’t think it’s all ‘doom and gloom’ at Nichols. Not at all. I can see how my post can be read that way. But in terms of the school as a whole, honestly, it’s the best place for kids to go in WNY. It’s the opposite of doom and gloom. I could go on at length about that, but this is a basketball blog so I’ll just move on.
And about Rick Bryan. If I were on the board, I’d hire him again in a minute. He’s not good for sports. But he’s so good at almost everything else that it makes me that much more irritated that he can’t do for sports what he does (did, at this point, since he’s retiring) for everything else.
I think the root of the problem is that Rick and other influential people at Nichols don’t see sports as an excellence. They just don’t value it as much as they value the arts, for example.
To the poster named NIchols, yeah, absolutely there are kids and, sometimes, very good coaches at Nichols who want to win. That’s what’s so heartbreaking for me. They don’t get the support they deserve, in my opinion. The majority (not all) of the faculty and administration’s attitude toward sports is one of tolerance at best. Some of the faculty have actively worked to reduce the profile of sports in the school over the last decade, and Rick is/was with them.
This might all change with the new head in June. I hope it does. Nichols has so much potential that is not currently used.
And even more on topic, without taking sides, yeah, John totally has the ability to be a great coach and do a lot of winning this year. He’s got experience with the school as a parent and a coach. He’s one of those coaches who is dedicated and talented but also a good fit for the institution. Time will tell, of course. I wouldn’t characterize Nichols’ schedule this year as ‘very tough,’ though there are some tough teams. Honestly, though, with a good coach and school support, Nichols could be a powerhouse, federation championship-contender every year, or close to it. I hope the culture of the school shifts just a little bit to unleash that potential.

NIchols

November 30, 2012

I agree with ‘Sick of It’s’ comments. He/she is very in tune with what is happening at the school. I am very interested in what Mr. Clough (new headmaster) will bring to the school. I have all the respect in the world for Rick Bryan, and wish him well. Hopefully athletics will be more of a focus in the future, the kids deserve it.

Larry Regan

December 2, 2012

Good Sunday morning to all! And happy Basketball season, the season that never ends!!
I got a call from a little birdie a couple days ago alerting me to a “Nichols” post. So naturally couldn’t resist, dialed up my favorite blog run by one of my favorite people and voila I write again.
A couple quick bullet points;
1. SOI you give me far too much credit, I did little, but was happy and proud to support the kids as best I could. They along with their coaches, families and with support from many others succeeded. The kids deserve all the credit and Jim deserves some too.
2. Rob Stewart is a great AD and an even better person. I found him always to be fully supportive and it was he who put together some great and challenging schedules that tested and challenged the boys and coaches, which ultimately prepared them for their magical run to a federation title. Not sure it happens without his support.
3. I could not agree with you more; Nichols provides an education that is second to none! All your points and those of others are right on the mark. I can only say DITTO!
I experienced some of your same frustrations. I don’t think I ever went outside Nichols with my thoughts or feelings. There were definitely times where I thought greater effort or support was needed from the administration or that there were unnecessary roadblocks preventing some teams/kids from reaching their potential or fully enriching the experience of participating in and benefitting from high school sports. On theses occasions I looked for allies within the administration who shared my thoughts and beliefs and then went ahead and fought the good fight. Amazingly I believe we always prevailed in the end and persuaded decision makers that more could be done to enhance the high school experience while preserving the ideals, concerns and traditions of the school. I’d be happy to share a few tales if you’d like.
Congratulations to the boys on winning the Lancaster tip off tourney. I am very happy for them.
I’m rushing off to the Bills game, so I’m sure I left a few thoughts out, but kepp the faith and above all else never give up or stop supporting the kids in every possible way. They only go this way once and especially those of us who have had the privilege of similar experiences owe them at least that.

Gus Buster

December 2, 2012

What is this? The Nichols high school view from centercourt. Lets get some coverage going.

fullcourt1

December 3, 2012

Thank You; it’s December Already; there are many teams in WNY not just NICHOLS and it would be nice to hear about athletes not just coaches. CRUMPTON TAPLING BATHURST CAMPION WILKINS CARSON WEIR WHITE BURTON CAMPBELL. Bring it on!!

hoopster

December 3, 2012

Not too worry fullcourt. Rumor has it that CC’s pre-season review is ready for the presses. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t provide your early season commentary by adding your thoughts, opinions and information. Let’s hear what you and others have to say!

TML1000

December 3, 2012

Pre-Season(sort of) Overall Top 10
1. Canisius
2. Falls
3. Olean
4. Jamestown
5. McKinley
6. St. Mary’s
7. OTC
8. East
9. St. Joe’s
10(tie). Wil North/Ken West
HM(no order) – Clarence, Timon, Sweet Home, Riverside, Amherst, Bennett, Depew, EA, CSAT, Nichols, Silver Creek, Maple Grove

PJB

December 3, 2012

Saw the finals of the Lancaster and Amherst tournaments. Both finalists at Amherst (Amherst and Clarence) looked better than Lancaster finalists (Nichols and maryvale).Clarence was very balanced, point guard was able to control pace of game and negate Amherst pressure. When forced into half court Amherst failed to score consistently. They need to generate offense through there defense. Nichols similar to last year, young tall front line that is developing and questionable guard play. Maryvale was short and unable to get consistent offense, with no post presence to attack the taller Nichols front line.