Nicol hired as Solon girls basketball coach

SOLON -- Tony Nicol is coming home.The Solon Community School District announced the hiring of Nicol as varsity girls' basketball coach, as well as middle school counselor.Nicol is a 1987 Solon graduate. He has most recently served as dean of students for freshmen and sophomores at Linn-Mar, and has served as assistant boys' basketball coach. He has helped guide the Lions to three state championships and nine straight state appearances.As girls' basketball coach, Nicol succeeds Mark Sovers.Solon Activities Director Keith McSweeney said, “We're excited the process yielded such a quality individual for this position.  As a coach, Tony brings a wealth of experience and a championship mentality that is easy to identify the moment you meet him.  I'm confident Tony will have a great influence on our students, be a leader in our district, and provide our girls with a tremendous basketball experience."The Spartans were 10-12 last year and return four of their top six scorers, including Rylee Smith and Emma Rickels, for 2012-13.