Ashland names Nemer as boys coach
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
ASHLAND – Even though his coaching success has come through the Ashland girls’ basketball program, Bill Nemer has gone back to his roots in taking over the Hornet boys’ post.
The 55-year-old Nemer, who served as the JV and varsity boys coach at the school way back during the 1984-85 season, will replace Jim Gardner on the bench this coming season.
Bill Nemer
Gardner recently resigned from coaching after accepting Easton’s town manager job – the same position he had previously held in Ashland.
With the Hornets facing the prospect of not having a coach heading into the winter, Nemer was approached about the vacancy.
“I had always said there was no chance I was going to coach again,” said Nemer, noting he had coached all three sports seasons for the better part of 25 years and had enjoyed his time away.
However, Nemer said that a lack of suitable candidates for the coaching position made him rethink his stance.
“I love Ashland, I love the orange and black, and I want to see the program get turned around,” Nemer said.
He coached the girls varsity team from 1985-96 and again from 2005-08. During his first stint, his teams reached the tournament nine of the 11 years and won a state championship in 1991. In the latter three years, which included the opportunity to coach his daughter, Ashley, the team made the playoffs every time.
Nemer owns just under 200 career coaching wins.
He is looking forward to being around the game again.
“I like making a difference,” Nemer said. “I like teaching the kids and being around the excitement of basketball in Aroostook County. The games are fun, and it was enticing to be able to coach in our new gym.
“The kids deserved to have someone who was going to give everything they had, and I’ve told them that my goal is to be the best coach they’ve ever had,” he added.
Nemer is known for his excitability on the sidelines, and he said there is a good chance that coaching style will continue.
“But my teams have always represented the school with class, and that is going to continue to be the case,” he said.
Nemer promises that he has no plans to continue coaching after this current campaign.
“It’s a one-shot deal and I want to allow enough time to bring a really good coaching candidate in here for next season,” he said.
