In a 22-year coaching career at Cawood and Harlan County high schools, Anthony Nolan was the model of consistency.
He posted a 210-132 record as the boys coach at Cawood in the final 12 years of the school’s existence, then followed with a 201-97 record in 10 years as the girls coach at HCHS over two stints. Nolan met with his players at HCHS on Friday to announce he was stepping down as coach.
With a combined record of 411-229 record, Nolan won over 64 percent of his games and ranks third behind only John Bond (497-62) and Mike Jones (457-169) as the winningest coaches in Harlan County history. He’s third behind Bond and Doc Gray for the most wins coaching girls.
“I want to thank the Superintendent, Mr. (Brent) Roark; Ms. (Kathy) Napier; Mr. (Eugene) Farmer; and the Harlan County Board of Education for giving me the opportunity to coach, both at James A. and at Harlan County High School. At the high school level, over two decades is a long time. I have countless memories to look back on; great memories with players and coaches that I have been blessed to work with,” Nolan said.
“On behalf of everyone here at Harlan County High School and the Harlan County Public Schools, we would like to thank coach Nolan for his decades of service to our athletic department while also wishing he, his wonderful wife Tara and their spectacular children Drew and Weston the very best moving forward,” said Farmer, the HCHS athletic director.
Nolan led the Trojans to five district titles at Cawood, including four in five years from 2001 to 2005 and took both the 2001 and 2002 teams to the 13th Region semifinals. He took the Lady Bears to the 13th Region finals in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and won two 52nd District titles.
“The game has somewhat changed, and the added impact of social media has complicated it,” Nolan said. “I still enjoy competing, preparing for competition and I will miss it. It will take some time for me to adjust, but Harlan County High School has a bright future going forward with all the talent coming up.”
The Lady Bears finished 16-14 last season and lose three starters to graduating, including 13th Region player of the year Ella Karst.
