Millville football says goodbye to coach Terry Nugent
Millville High School always likes to preach the idea of family. And unfortunately, after a 21-0 Thanksgiving win over Vineland, the Thunderbolts said goodbye to a paternal figure of the football program.
Assistant coach Terry Nugent, who had been with the program for 33 years, participated in his final football game on Thursday. He admits it’s hard to walk away, but there was a sense it was time to hang it up.
“I guess it’s like an old horse,” Nugent said. “The old horse knows when it’s time to go to the barns. I’m still coaching golf and I’m still going to teach. I’ll see these kids all the time and that’s a good part of it.
“The guys I’ve coached with like Dave Heck and Tony Surace, I’ll see them all the time too and that’s a plus. It’s tough, but it’s time to go. I’m not getting any younger. I figured it’s time to step down, let the younger crew take over and see what they can do.”
Nugent, 60, has been around long enough to have some great memories. He will tell you that he has hundreds. With all of the coaches and all of the players he has seen put on the Millville uniform, there’s plenty to celebrate. The 2011 squad that lost 55-34 in the Group V South championship sticks out in his mind the most.
“The closest memory I can remember that was really exciting was the 2011 team,” Nugent said. We went 11-1 and we had a shot to win that game (against Pennsauken) and it was probably one of the best teams I’ve ever been around in my life. We had quality players and they were good kids, so that’s probably the closest memory I have.
“But I’ve enjoyed all the years I’ve been here and all the coaches I’ve been with. All the guys I have coached with over the years are just phenomenal. It been a great program to be in. It’s always had a good tradition. The kids are the best thing and they’re what kept me going. I had the seniors this year and they’re just top-notch kids. It’s just a pleasure to coach those kids and they keep me young.”
The influence that the players have on Nugent is wholeheartedly reciprocated. His ability to connect with students throughout the years and help them grow is something the program will surely miss in the future.
“The kids gravitate towards Terry Nugent,” Millville athletic director David LaGamba said. “He’s got a really good rapport with all the kids and he’s got that charisma. You need a guy like Terry on your sidelines to really garner the respect of the players and to get them believing in the program and the system.
“Thirty-three years is a long time to be coaching a sport and that doesn’t happen very often now. We are truly going to miss him. He brought a lot of stability and a lot of passion. He’s a class act.”
Millville's stout defense edges Vineland on Thanksgiving
Leaving on the heels of a win certainly makes it easier. Nugent is mostly happy for the kids. LaGamba remembers all the things he’s done for players that go further than the painted lines on Friday. It serves as a testament to the kind of impact that Nugent had for over three decades.
“He’s taken care of many kids as far as warm-cooked meals, doctor’s appointments… you name it. Terry has done things for kids that transcends the sports realm,” LaGamba said. “He’s done that because of his commitment to Millville football and the Millville community. Terry is a Millville guy and he always cares.
“For 33 years, he’s done that for us. He’s done a great job helping young kids develop into young men and it’s great when you see the young kids coming back now. They come back for guys like Terry and he’s going to be sorely missed to be quite honest.”
The win on Thanksgiving allows Nugent to ride off into the sunset on a high note.
“It’s a great feeling. For the seniors and for them to go out with a win like this is something I’ll never forget. It was great to go out with a win for me, especially against Vineland. It’s just a joy right now and a bunch of emotions. But now that it’s over with, it’s time to move on.”
Matt Silva; (856) 563-5322; msilva@gannettnj.com