Napier resigns as head boys’ basketball coach at WHS

Williamsburg High School is looking for a new head boys’ basketball coach following the Tuesday resignation of head coach Nick Napier, who has helmed the program for three years.

“This has been a very difficult decision that I have had to make at this time. However, after several days of prayer and careful consideration I know this is the right move for my family and myself. When I took the position at Williamsburg our first son had not been born yet. Since that time my wife Sarah and I have been blessed with 2 sons, Nathan and Camden. The time away from my family and the commute has become too difficult. Therefore, when an opportunity came to get closer to home, I had to do what I feel is best at this time,” Napier said in a resignation letter provided to the News Journal.

“I want to give a special thanks to the players I was able to coach while at Williamsburg. I care a ton about each and every one of them. I truly believe they will accomplish so many great things in their lives. I hope that they have gotten at least half as much out of playing for me as I have gotten out of coaching them. We have had excellent parents that have been raised the right way and I think you for allowing your sons to play under me.”

“I also want to thank my coaching staff, Cory Fleenor, Jordan Akins, and Tyler Rogers for all the hard work they have put in the past 3 seasons. I have been blessed with men that any parent would want to be around their child. The same can be said for our Middle School Coach Tor Peterson who I would also like to thank.”

During Napier’s three years as head basketball coach, the program compiled a record of 47-43.

When Napier took over the program, the team had won a combined 10 games in the previous two seasons.

Napier noted that he had a great group of seniors during his first season.

The following two seasons, the team posted back to back winning records for the first time this century while playing a “very challenging” schedule, Napier said.

“When I got the job, I promised we would try to play fast and bring an exciting style of play to Williamsburg and we were able to do that more each season and averaged over 70 points per game this past season,” he said.

Napier also thanked the administration at Williamsburg for giving him the opportunity to teach and coach in the district.

“It has been an honor to work for 2 great Superintendents in Dr. Amon Couch and Tim Melton as well as Athletic Directors John Harris and Jerry Herron who gave me this opportunity. The school also has an excellent Board of Education, which is second to none I have ever been around. The fans at Williamsburg have been fantastic and have supported our team in an awesome way. Last, but certainly not least I would like to thank my right hand man Wayne Bargo. He has been the best Equipment Manager in the state the past 3 years and at the same time, been a great life-long friend,” Napier wrote in the letter.

“I truly believe the future of Williamsburg basketball is going to be great and look forward to seeing all the young men I have worked with continue to improve. I am glad I was able to be a part of it the past 3 seasons.”