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As I watch the Alabama football game (Sept. 4), I am thinking of Coach David Nolin, and how he played such an important role in my life. From my first football game as a middle school player for Escambia County Middle School, Coach Nolin was there. For after school programs and summer camps, he was there.

He coached me and my friends in high school football, The Atmore Blue Devils. He helped us and kept us out of trouble. He sincerely cared about us and we knew it because we felt it. We respected him and feared him. We never wanted to disappoint him because he poured so much of himself into us. Even in recent years, he would always say that Atmore had so much athletic talent, and he knew that another NFL or NBA athlete from Atmore would rise again. We just had to keep pushing and working toward the goal.

I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would serve on a school board with my coach, Coach Nolin. But, we did, and he continued to do what he does best: coach. He was my mentor and my friend.  My heart is so broken. It is hard to believe that he is gone. I spoke to him over the phone just a week before he passed. I called him every other day to check on him to make sure he was okay.

He said, “Meek.”

“Yes, Coach.”

“This is a one man show. But, I thank you for checking up on me and being in my corner.”

Wow, how those words would mean so much right now.  He has been in my corner and in my community’s corner for so many years. I am glad that I was able to be in his corner when he really needed it.

Coach Nolin was truly a good man, and a great soul. He instilled his spirit into every athlete and every student he encountered. He deeply touched our lives, and he will continue to touch our lives for generations to come. Let his life example be a light to lead us all.

Here’s to you, Coach Nolin. Your legacy will live on.

Loumeek White

District 5

Escambia County School Board