8 years of coaching and many trophies later, track and field coach Carmine DeNicola is closing this chapter of his life at NPHS. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving a lasting impact on the program.

DeNicolas’s love for track and field started in his high school years, where he ran the 400 and threw javelin. Running was more than a sport to DiNicola, who carried his habit of running into his college years.

DiNicola decided to revisit his track background after a run-in with his high school coach.

“I was running in a park, and saw my old track coach there, and he actually asked me to come back and help with the team,” he said.

Just like that, he was back into the sport.

Over the years, he has witnessed track and field grow and evolve.

“When I first started coaching, it was very rare to have automatic timing.  You would have officials standing with a stopwatch, and you would have to wait until the next day for the results to be published,” DiNicola reminisces.

DiNicola’s real legacy began when he started coaching sprinters at NPHS.

His coaching style has had a lasting impression on athletes and their lives, even shaping their confidence and discipline off the track.

“I think his coaching has helped me improve a lot. By the end of my first season I shed 2 seconds off my 200 time, and I think the way he gives us challenging workouts while implementing time for resting has definitely helped,” said sophomore Kara Swingle.

DiNicola’s coaching style is designed to appeal to athletes of all skill levels. He does this by planning intricate track workouts and practices to ensure the athletes are pushing themselves and improving their skills.

On the other hand, he is dedicated to adjusting his approach according to each individual athlete: “One of the biggest challenges has to be that every athlete is a different person, and you have to do things a little differently based on each individual.”

All this planning can be very time consuming:  “Coaching has me very very busy, but I think the thing I’m going to miss the most is interacting with and seeing my athletes everyday.  I think [my most memorable part] is the relationships I’ve made with my athletes, current and also former.”

With his new free time, he can indulge in some of his hobbies. Outside of school, DiNicola is a physics teacher, enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time outdoors. 

Overall, Carmine DiNicola leaves a lasting legacy on New Providence High School’s track and field program, not just leaving behind records and trophies – but also inspiring future athletes and coaches with his words: “Believe in what you are doing. You have to have confidence in yourself and never doubt yourself, because a lot of times you can be your own worst enemy.”