WACO, Texas – Lock Haven University assistant football coach Bill Nickell has been selected to participate in the elite American Football Coaches' Foundation (AFCA) 2017 30 Under 30 Coaches' Leadership Institute.
 
Through this reputable program, the American Football Coaches Association® (AFCA®) aims to identify and train the next generation of leaders in the football coaching profession. The AFCA firmly believes that better educated coaches are better educated leaders and better educated leaders are the pillars of a successful American society. With that spirit in mind, the program is focused on training participants in areas the Association believes are the most prominent challenges coaches will face today and in the future.
 
This year's leadership institute takes place during the 2017 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The one-day event will consist of interactive lectures on topics including leadership, ethics, family balance and personal and professional development.
 
To be eligible, applicants had to be active high school head coaches, or full-time assistants or head coaches from the college ranks. Applicants were required to submit a resume, personal statements responding to specific prompts and a letter of recommendation from a head coach or athletic director.
 
This year's class of participants includes seven NCAA FBS coaches, six NCAA FCS coaches, three NCAA Division II coaches, six NCAA Division III coaches, three NAIA coaches, two two-year college coaches and three high school coaches.
 
"With this program, we've identified rising stars in our industry," said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. "Our aim is to give them the tools necessary to become the future leaders of the football coaching profession."
 
During the 2016 season, one to remember for LHU, Nickell served as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Off the field, Nickell serves as the strength and conditiong coordinator and is in charge of equipment and budget operations.
 
Nickell's leadership helped guide the Bald Eagles to a memorable season, specifically on the offensive side of the ball.
 
Lock Haven saw seven players land on the All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) team including four PSAC East First Team offensive selections, the most since four made the First Team Offense in 1979.
 
One of those First-Team All-Conference selections was wide receiver Shawn Seif, who also earned All-American honors. Seif marked LHU's first All-American since 2003.
 
As a whole the offense broke nearly every major single-season record. Highlighting the offensive charge was a school record in total points (323 pts.), total offense (4,954 yds.) and team passing offense (3,158 yds.).
 
*Some information used in this release courtesy of the AFCA – For more information on the AFCA and the full release, click here.