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

Name of the game

The best soccer player in the world right now resides in Brazil, plays his club ball in Europe, and is known worldwide by a one-word nickname.

But it isn't Barcelona's Ronaldhino, previously crowned as the world's best. No, it's the man whose name brings a snicker to your face every time you say it - Kaka.

The AC Milan midfielder galvanized his rise to the top by carving up Manchester United in the two-leg semifinal before playing an instrumental part in Milan's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final Wednesday, the seventh European Cup title for the Italian club.

Kaka's brilliance on the ball is every bit as divine as Manchester's Cristiano Ronaldo - and without the aggravating abundance of stepovers. The way he mesmerized United defenders and goalie Edwin Van der Sar was a treat to watch. And it also gave a thrill to ESPN's Tommy Smyth, who spoke at length about the amazing performance.

So snicker all you want the next time you say the name Kaka, but the smile on your face will stay when you watch him play.

Bryan Davis, Assistant Sports Editor

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Daily Local News
West Chester, Pa.