Bob Nichols (1994) - Hall of Fame - University of Toledo Athletics

Bob Nichols

Induction:
1994
Class:
1953

Bob Nichols' teams recorded winning records in 20 of his 22 seasons including five consecutive 20-win campaigns (1977-81) and five MAC Championships. Nichols was named MAC coach of the year three times (1974, 79, 80) and four-time winner of the Ohio College "Coach of the Year" award (1967, 72, 79, 80). His 377 -211 record gives Nichols one of the best winning percentage (.642) in MAC history. During his tenure, Nichols' teams had several other wins over Big Ten teams, including the inaugural game in Savage Hall in 1976. In front of a standing room only crowd in excess of 9,000 Toledo defeated defending national champion Indiana, 59-57, snapping the Hoosiers 33 game winning streak. Nichols won his first MAC championship in 1966-67, as he Rockets posted a 23-2 record. Titles followed in 1971-72, 1978-79, 1979-80, and 1980-81. He coached 12 All-MAC stars, including five players of the year. Nichols also lettered three years in basketball as a player (1951-53) and was co-captain of the 1952-53 team. He played on squads that were 23-8, 20-11 and 16-7.