PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – Alan Nichol has retired as Punxsutawney’s football coach
Nichol spent 10 total years as the Chucks’ mentor spanning two stints. He was head coach from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2020 through 2023 compiling a record of 52-51.
The 52 victories are the fourth-most in school history behind Gary Juart (1981 to 1993; 75-61-4), Jack Hart (1960-69; 68-28-4), and Joe Harrick (1936-42 and 1946-49; 59-39-9).
In his first tenure with the Chucks, Nichol guided Puxnsutawney to a school-record 18 straight regular-season victories between the 2009 and 2010 seasons and KSAC crowns both years. His 10-0 team in 2010 is one of only three unbeaten regular seasons at Punxsutawney, and his 2009 squad won the District 9 Class 3A title, one of just two District championships in school history.
This past season, Nichol guided Punxsutawney to a 7-4 overall record and a 5-2 mark in District 9 Region 1. The Chucks lost in the District 9 Class 3A title game to Clearfield, 20-14.
A 1978 graduate of Punxsutawney High School, Nichol was elected to the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
According to the bio on the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame website, he was a three-year letter winner in football and track. Nichol totaled 172 points for the 1978 track squad by participating in the 400 and 800 relays, and 400 dash. He was co-captain of the undefeated 1977 football squad. He was a first team Cen Pac selection, a Big 33 nominee and was named to the Associated Press honorable mention All State team. At the time of his graduation in 1978, he was only the sixth student-athlete to earn Zeedick Cup honors for three consecutive years. Alan attended IUP and lettered in football three seasons as a defensive back. He graduated from IUP and taught science at Punxsutawney.
