Teacher and track coach Lou Nicoletti passes away at age 70
Cross country and track coach Lou Nicoletti ran his final lap and passed April 9 at Harbor Healthcare, succumbing to brain cancer. Lou was 70 years old.
Tim Bamforth coached with Lou at Sussex Tech, helping out because Tim’s sons Jake and Ben ran for Nic. Who better to shed light on the impact coach had than Monique Bamforth, mother of athletes, who is married to coach Tim. Monique wrote:
“We lost a special man, friend, coach, teacher and mentor early this morning. Some individuals come into your life at pivotal times and remain in your heart and part of your family forever. Coach Nic was one of those people for the Bamforths. He loved my boys as athletes and friends. They spent quality time with him each morning and evening as he chauffeured them to/from school. After they graduated, I missed those early morning chats and coffee I would bring him in the driveway while they loaded up. Tim enjoyed coaching with him and was the perfect detailed, statistics-oriented balance to his more liberal, motivational storytelling style. I will always treasure all the good times we spent together – countless cross country and track meets, practices, phone calls, special-occasion and holiday dinners, play dates with our dogs, a love for old movies (I will forever take good care of his baby, Hepburn). He made us laugh! His dry sense of humor was sarcastic, yet tender. He was passionate and intense. He gave his whole heart and wore it on his sleeve. We are so much better for having him in our lives. Rest now, Coach Nic. We love you.”
Roxy Ramirez, former Ravens runner, now a Delaware senior, where she was All-CAA two years in a row and who shares a Sept. 30 birthday with coach Nic, wrote, “Being a part of Delaware's team, we often talk about our 'Why' ... the reason why we run. Coach Nic is definitely one of my Whys. I would not be the person or runner I am today if it wasn't for him. He knew my potential and he always believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. It's because of him that I am where I am today and am so passionate about this sport."
A detailed obituary appears on page 11 of the April 14 Cape Gazette.
