By Derrick Smith

High school coaches enter into the coaching profession for a variety of reasons. For some, it is because they love the sport and want to continue to be a part of it after their playing days are over. Others see it as a tool to impact the lives of younger generations and help them as they grow and begin to find their way. 

Kent Nicholson has coached swimming for twenty-four years. He is currently the swim coach for both Norman High School and Norman North High School. He says that he began swimming as a kid and that is what led him to be a coach. 

“I swam when I was a student at Norman High School,” he said. “I was also part of the Sooner Swim Club when I was a kid. When I finished college, a job was open and I was hooked. I have been a swim coach ever since.”

After coaching for over two decades, Nicholson has had his share of memorable moments and events that he will not forget. But out of all of them, he said that there are a few that jump out as his favorite. 

“The year the Norman North girls and boys both won state was a fun year,” he said. “Aiden Hayes’ national record and the 1994 Norman boys state championship were two others. Those were really great moments for me as a coach.”

Kent was around a lot of great coaches and swimmers during his time, but he says that there is one person that made a big impact on his life. 

“Jim Akey was the Norman high school coach when I started coaching,” he recalled. “He was a great mentor and to this day his advice helps me make decisions.”

As a coach, Nicholson enjoys seeing his athletes continually improve and be the best they can be. 

“One of the things I love about coaching swimming is seeing time drops,” he said. “Especially when the whole team drops at a big meet. It shows that they are working hard and they are seeing it pay off.”