Coach Nicoletti changed my life. After my own parents, he has been the most influential adult in my life. Because of him, I ran in college and have now been coaching college cross country for the past 9 years. Coach Nic believed in me in a way that changed my life. He taught me how to go after things that seemed impossible. Not only that, but he made every single day so much fun. I looked forward to practice every day because of his sense of humor and energy and genuine care. I used to hate running but grew to love it. There's no way I'd be where I am today if it wasn't for his influence. Even though I graduated in 2005, his words still echo in my mind all the time, even today: "You're the best, so run with the best!"..."Running is 90% mental, the rest is in your head"..."Lift your knees!"..."Don't ever say the j-word...it's a curse word."
Isabella and Maddie - thank you for sharing your dad with so many of us. Our lives were forever changed.
Much love,
Rebekah Ricksecker