History of Coach Michael “Mick” Nugent
Learn more about the inspiration behind our commitment to the students of SGI
Early Life
Michael Nugent grew up in Salamanca, NY. Sports have played a significant role in his life. At Salamanca high school, he lettered in Football, Baseball, Basketball and Track. He would receive many all-league awards in these sports his junior and senior year. In 1959, he graduated from High School and headed to Cortland State to pursue a degree in Physical Education and play football. He excelled on the football field and in the classroom. He was the starting quarterback and captain for the 1963 Cortland State Red Dragon football team. He also earned his degree in Physical Education from Cortland State.
Dedication to the Students of SGI
In 1965, Coach Nugent and his wife Patricia moved to Springville, and he accepted a teaching position in Physical Education at SGI. He would spend the next 3 decades of his life dedicated to the students and student athletes of SGI. He coached wrestling, swimming, track, and football. Coach Nugent took over the Springville Football program in 1965. Through his leadership accompanied by his lifelong assistant coaches Duane Havens and the late Bob Schlageter, Springville Griffin football turned into a perennial powerhouse in Section 6 and throughout the state. During his tenure, his teams won multiple league championships, received many accolades including state rankings, and countless trips to then Rich Stadium in Orchard Park.
Over the course of his coaching career, he would amass a record of 146 wins, 46 losses, and 6 ties. (It should be noted this was before the state football playoff system. These were 9 game seasons).
The Impact of his Legacy
Coach Nugent’s dedication in teaching and coaching made a legendary impact on his students at Springville Griffith Institute. His unwavering pursuit to educate both young men and women at SGI is a legacy that should always be remembered and recognized.
From 1965 through 1988, Coach Nugent was a prominent teacher and mentor to all his students. We (Jim, Brian, Todd, Glenn) are blessed to have had him as our coach, teacher, and mentor.
