Former Seckman Basketball Coach Will Step Down from Winning Illinois High School Team

Curt Nealis coached for four years at Seckman High School, for his father Paul, prior to becoming an assistant basketball coach for the winning East Richland High School team in Olney, IL.

The 38-year-old moved to his wife’s hometown 11 years ago, reports the OnleyDailyMail.com news website. Nealis decided, this year, to step down from coaching basketball.

He said that he needed to spend time with his family and with his wife Krista. He will still coach golf at the high school.

When he started coaching at the age of 23, Nealis only had two children. Now he is a father of three children, Abigail, 11, and sons Alex, 7, and 4-year-old Ayden.

Coaches need to be completely dedicated to their players, Nealis said. Similarly, people must be devoted to their families.

It’s difficult to devote time to two sets of athletes, teach high school science to students, and raise a family.

Nealis said he will miss watching the players develop and may consider returning as a basketball coach in the future.

He said he had some great memories as a winning basketball coach in southern Illinois.

For now, Nealis will support his basketball players as a fan rooting in the stands.