[Strikeout King]

When Oliver Lucas resigned as Bryan Station's football coach last month, he said he was stepping back "to take a deep breath" and consider his options. "If it's a short breath, it's a short breath."


It turned out to be a short breath.


Lucas has been named the new coach at Manual, a Class 6A school in Louisville. He replaces Joe Nichols, the winningest coach in Crimsons history. Nichols had a nine-year record of 66-38, but he did not have his contract renewed after going 5-7 last fall.



Lucas said Manual "is a prestigious school with a rich, rich tradition. It's hard not to be intrigued by it and want to be a part of it."


Manual is in the same district as reigning state champ St. Xavier, and it also played Trinity last season.


Lucas said he welcomes the challenge of facing the Catholic school powers.
"It's exciting to get the chance to play the creme de la creme every year, and not just in the playoffs," he said.


"As a coach, you love that kind of competition."


Manual was a winning program under Nichols, so Lucas doesn't face the same challenge he did at Bryan Station.


"This is an opportunity to restore, not rebuild because Coach Nichols did a great job there," he said.


Lucas came to Bryan Station from Colorado. In four years he revitalized the Defenders' program, capped by a 9-3 record last season.


Lucas, 59, teaches biology at Bryan Station, but he also has as a Ph.D in administration education and a superintendent's certificate.


He thought about seeking an administration job after stepping down as the Defenders' football coach. But when somebody recommended him to Manual, Lucas decided to stick with football.


"The good Lord looks after fools, dogs and babies, and I know which one I am," he said with a laugh.



http://www.kentucky.com/813/story/1088629.html

[Westside]

Winning this district will be about as hard as winning a state championship.

[Stardust]

Good luck Coach Lucas

[bulldog42]

I interviewed with him at Bryan Station for the QB coaches job there. He offered and I decided to stay at Lex Cath at the time. It was a tough decision because he is a very intriguing guy. He coached at Colorado in the early 90's when they had Darrian Hagen and Eric Bienemy. He's been a sports agent for guys such as Natron Means RB Chargers. He is an intelligent guy with a clear plan. Manuel is one of the few schools that has the atheltes to play with the big boys in 6A. Lucas at Manuel..Jackson at Ballard really makes 6A public schools a whole lot better. Will be interesting to see how things play out over the next 5 years or so! If Redmon goes to Indy then that is another big school opening with Male.

[monster_energy]

nice hire he should do well!!

[Buddy Ryan]

This one came at of nowhere. i figured a Louisville area coach would get this.