Nigel Card (far left) was named as the new basketball coach at St. James by athletic director Jerry Browning (center) and school principal John Tatum. (Staff Photo)

By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor

(April 28, 2010)

It took 23 years but Nigel Card is finally getting a chance to be a head coach.

But it’s not where most thought he would start.

A longtime assistant to Auburn University Montgomery coach Larry Chapman, Card was officially named head basketball coach for the St. James boys program on Tuesday.

He leaves AUM after more than two decades of working with Chapman, who many believed Card would follow as the next head coach for the Senators.

“There were a lot of sleepless nights, tossing and turning about moving to this level,” Card said. “With everything I looked at, I felt like it was time, at least to lead my own program, to learn more about my own strengths and weaknesses. I feel like I will be better with this choice.

“Coach (Chapman) was great, as always. He was very supportive, very excited that I have an opportunity like this. I also know there was some disappointment for him and for me. But the time was right.”

Card takes over a program that has struggled in the last few years. The Trojans have finished above .500 once since 2003. Card becomes the fourth coach since 2001.

But athletic director Jerry Browning believes Card will have the staying power and develop a long-term relationship with players, parents and boosters.

“(Card) said it that you don’t develop a program with sophomores or juniors but with the third and fourth grade students,” said Browning, who coached girls’ basketball for 13 years in Mississippi. “Success will come but it takes time. As he works with the program, the kids will get involved and more interested. The wins and losses will come.”

Card said he did not apply for the job but had several recommend him. Once he began the process of interviewing, he realized it was time to give it a try.

“People knew me and knew I wanted to be a head coach,” Card said. “They felt like I would consider this. There were a lot of positives here. It’s not just about myself but also my family.”
Moving from the college level to high school has its advantages, Card said. But he also must temper his expectations.

“The thing about coaching is, we don’t have to drive fundamentals at the (college) level,” Card said. “Here, you have to drive the fundamentals. It’s all about them getting it. Through time, those kids will get it, maybe not right away, but eventually.”

Card will work with AUM through the end of the school year before taking his position at St. James in June.