Jerome Nixon
Jerome Nixon was a key part of the legendary Farrell High basketball program under Hall of Fame Coach Eddie McCluskey, who went on to an outstanding high school track coaching career in the Pittsburgh area.
He was a three-year letterman and two-year starter for the Steelers, highlighted by his role as starting center on the 1969 PIAA Class A (biggest class) State Championship club that posted a 27-1 overall record. That season he shined on defense and led the team in blocked shots. During his career the team had a combined mark of 62-12, winning two WPIAL Section III crowns and falling one game short of a third. He was honorable mention All-Section 3.
Following high school he played basketball for an Independent Company League in New York City for two years, playing in the league championship game both seasons. He began his hoop career as a member of the first elementary school championship team at J.A. Farrell School and was named to the league's All-Star team. That team was under the guidance of the late Tom Burns, long-time coach and former president of the Mercer County Hall of Fame. In junior high, he helped lead his teams to section titles all three years. He was a key performer on the Farrell High track team as well and a three-year letter winner. He made the Mercer County Track Honor Roll in the 400-yard dash and mile relay in 1970.
A certified Level 1 USA Track and Field Coach, he has been head track coach at Bentworth High School in Bentleyville, PA, since starting the program in 2003. His teams won numerous championships and he coached 9 WPIAL individual or relay champions and one state champion. He also coached two TSTCA individual indoor champions.
He coached a participant in the WPIAL Finals for 17 consecutive years and a 4X800 relay team in the finals for 12 straight seasons. Several individuals went on to college careers at all levels. He also coached youth basketball, softball and track.