The Northland College LumberJacks and LumberJills recently hired cross country head coach Nick Nemec has been running around the Bay Area and South Shore for quite some time. First as a distance runner for the Ashland Oredockers, then as a UW-Superior Yellowjacket and finally as a track and field coach for the ‘Dockers from 2021-2024. In every stop, Nemec has enjoyed athletic and academic success. The Ashland Daily Press ran down Nemec to discuss his history as a runner, coach, and this new chapter he begins in 2024 when he takes the helm of a developing Northland cross country program.
Question: Please describe your personal mission with respect to coaching?
Answer: I want to create an environment that encourages a positive team atmosphere with a strong commitment to excellence. The cross country program will promote a lifestyle devoted to success as both students and athletes. We’ll strive to communicate that pride, dedication, commitment, and patience will lead to success — not only as a student-athlete, but as a person. Our goal will be to provide a fun, safe, positive, and goal-oriented environment for our runners.
Q: What are the subtleties between coaching young athletes vs. collegiate athletes. How might this understanding serve you at Northland?
A: Coaching young athletes versus collegiate athletes involves navigating different developmental stages, motivations, and levels of maturity. With young athletes, it’s crucial to focus on fundamental skills, fostering a love for the sport, and providing positive reinforcement to build confidence. Collegiate athletes typically have a deeper understanding of the game and require more strategic guidance, mental toughness training, and accountability. Understanding these nuances can help me tailor coaching methods at Northland to best support each athlete’s growth and success — whether they’re just starting out or aiming for elite competition.
Q: Please describe challenges and rewards you’ve experienced as a coach and as an athlete?
A: When I first took over at the middle school level, my goal was to increase participation among students and we did that. In my first year we had 34 people competing in track, and rose to 50 this season. Attracting athletes is a challenge in sports at all levels, but I love it and it’s exciting to build and grow teams. It’s so fulfilling to see my athletes succeed and reach their goals.
Q:Please describe how your own experiences as a collegiate athlete enter into your coaching.
A: Over my 10 plus years of running competitively, I’ve had highs and lows. From being on a team that went to state four straight years in high school — barely sneaking in my senior year; to being with UWS as part of the WIAC and struggling to compete there. I’ve learned how to win as a team and lose as a team, and alway stick together. When UWS moved to the UMAC we had many conference championships and successful teams for which I ran. Growing as an athlete and the different ways my coaches acted in these situations has helped me learn on how to manage highs and lows.
Q: Can you identify some of your coaching mentors?
A: I’ve had many meaningful influences. Two that really stick out are: Peter Macky, my high school coach. He showed me how to be competitive and want to reach my goals as an athlete throughout high school and with success, how to handle it and always want more. And Glen Drexler, my coach at UWS. Glen taught me how to be part of a family within my team; building character, and what it’s like to be a coach at the college level.
Both have served as amazing role models and are always there to help me when I need it still today. I am the coach I am today because of all the great coaches I’ve had as an athlete. I’ve also had many great teammates over the years, one of the most impactful would be Bryce Miller (a former high 3200-meter run state champion for the Oredockers and school record holder in the event). He has been my friend going all the way back to elementary school and then teammates all through high school. Even in college we would call each other up weekly to talk about life, running, and just advice. He’s always been there to support me or help me in situations that I wasn’t sure of. These three have truly shaped who I am today in my coaching.
Q: What do you perceive the state of Northland cross country to be?
A: I feel a strength is those who are part of the team are there for a reason and the love of running. They’ve been through a lot this last year and coming back to power through it all says a great deal about them. I feel that the number of athletes can be increased. It may not change (immediately) but in years ahead bringing (additional) likeminded athletes driven for a similar goal will build the program.
Q: Please describe what your goals are for the program, and yourself.
A: I will continue to teach for the Ashland School District. As for my short term goals for Northland, I hope to get both a boys and girls scoring team while being competitive within the UMAC in the regular season and at the conference championship meet. Long term I hope to improve each year and grow the program into a (large roster) able to compete for championships. I know it’s a big goal but I am excited for the challenge ahead.
Q: Please describe how being an Ashland resident and native will help you in your role as coach at Northland.
A: I feel that being from Ashland and having connections with Northland through camps, coaching, and competing, I will be able to relate with many of my athletes. I’ve been through the recruiting process. I’ve been through being an athlete at the college level, and I know what being part of this community brings to someone. I hope to open the door for more local runners to give Northland a chance.
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