UD Coach Nic Black recently took the time out of his spring recruiting schedule to sit down with PiquaFootball.com for a one-on-one interview.
PiquaFootball.com: What years did you play at Piqua?
Black: I played at Piqua during the 1994-1997 seasons and graduated in 1998.
PiquaFootball.com: Where did you play football in college?
Black: I played at Wittenberg University for 4 years, from 1998-2001. We posted a 45-5 record during those years. The best record of a senior class in Wittenberg history.
PiquaFootball.com: What awards did you earn in high school and college?
Black: I was named All-GMVC my junior and senior year of high school, and all Southwest Ohio my senior year. I earned three letters in college, and was voted all North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) selection at linebacker. I also have 4 league championship rings.
PiquaFootball.com: What have you done in football since graduating College?
Black: I am currently in my second year of coaching at The University of Dayton. I coach the defensive line. Before that I coached one year at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, where I was the Linebacker and head strength coach. I also had a stint in high school coaching at Springfield Shawnee, where I was the Defensive Coordinator.
PiquaFootball.com: A 45-5 Record. That is amazing for a college career. What will it be like to be coaching on the other sideline when Wittenberg comes to Welcome Stadium next year to battle the Flyers?
Black: It's going to be tough. The coaches who I played for at Wittenberg, Joe Fincham and his staff have had amazing success, and it is always hard to play a game against a program you care about. Don't get me wrong, I want to WIN, but it's always a challenge to coach against a staff of their caliber.
PiquaFootball.com: As a college coach, do you think seniors graduating from Piqua's program have an advantage over other players?
Black: Players graduating from Piqua have an opportunity to train under someone who knows what it takes for them to be successful at the college level. Coach Nees does a great job especially with the weight room and speed training. If a player coming out of Piqua has taken full advantage of the recourses he has available to him, and done a good job in the classroom he should have no problem being successful in college. But, the main thing they should learn from playing at Piqua is work ethic, it's what the program is built on.
PiquaFootball.com: What was your greatest Piqua football playing memory?
Black: I'd have to say during my senior year (1997) when we took back the Battered Helmet from Sidney, at Sidney. It was my first game playing with a cast on my hand. On the first play of the game I got caked, but I got used to playing with the cast and eventually made a key sack late in the game. When the clock was winding down, Coach Nees called me over and told me to "Go get that 'Darn' helmet." Holding that helmet, surrounded by my teammates was one of the most memorable moments for me as an Indian.
PiquaFootball.com: Describe what it means to play football for Piqua?
Black : I feel that I have been lucky so far in my playing and coaching career. I played for the best high school football coaching staff in the state at Piqua. Coach Nees and his staff are unbelievably committed to what they do and how they coach the game. I have been surrounded by winning in my playing and coaching career. All of my coaches have been a giant inspiration to me in my career choices.
PiquaFootball.com: What would you say to the younger kids that are coming up through the Piqua program right now about Piqua football?
Black: Learn all the lessons that the game of football and these great coaches have to teach you. Playing high school football might be the most fun you will ever have. Work hard to continue the tradition. I'll Be Watching!
Jesse Swafford
PiquaFootball.com
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