Sky's the limit for Nelms, Red Raiders

Rick Nelms officially landed his dream job this week.

On Tuesday afternoon, Nelms, a fiery veteran of the Chester County hardwood wars, was named head coach of the Coatesville Area High boys basketball program. When he took over Bishop Shanahan's varsity two years ago, Nelms had a clause put in his contract that stated he could leave the Eagles' nest if the Coatesville job opened and he scored an offer.

Leader of the Red Raiders is a position he has coveted for years. So score one for Nelms.

But will his passionate style of hair-raising, roof-raising coaching go over well at Coatesville? Nelms won a state title at Kennett in 2002, but can he turn around a program that went 8-16 last season and ultimately restore its glory?

I think he will. And I guarantee that the Red Raiders finish above .500 next season and land at least a district playoff berth.

Beyond that, the sky's the limit for Coatesville boys basketball with Nelms at the helm.

Joe Whalen, Sports Editor