Damico leaves Cal
The California High School baseball program, fresh from its fifth WPIAL championship, is looking for a new baseball coach.
Nick Damico, who led the Trojans to their second WPIAL crown in his four years as head coach, has informed the district’s administration he is resigning.
Damico led the team to a 77-10 record, four section crowns and three WPIAL title game appearances in his four seasons.
Damico is enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is working on his certification to become a director of special education and is currently the lead support teacher for California Area School District.
“I decided to resign in the fall but (California Area High School principal) Leigh Ann Folmar talked me into staying,” Damico said. “I knew that I had a full year to go at Pitt and I told my wife that I would do one more year, and I did it for the seniors.
“It takes such a big commitment, and right now, I can’t make that commitment.”
Damico served as an assistant to Don Hartman for five years before taking over the team for the 2014 season.
“Donnie took the program to the next level and I wanted to do that and not let him or anyone else down,” he said. “Coaching under Don, I was ready to be a head coach. I modeled what he did (because) he is a true leader of all times and wanted him to be proud of me.”
Damico also wanted to spend more time with his wife, Coogie.
“We got married right as I was hired and I don’t get to see her,” he said before joking, “We will see a lot of each other now, and I don’t know if that will be good or bad, that’s for sure.”
California athletic director Chris Minerd was disappointed but understands Damico’s perspective.
“He put in so much time and commitment into the program and he achieved so much in a few years that other coaches can only wish to achieve that much in full careers,” he said.
“It will be tough to see him go and he will be missed, but his commitment to his family and furthering his education is completely understandable and I wish him the very best.”
Damico said he appreciated the work done by his assistants, Neil Forsythe and Lou Pasquale. And he left the door open to coach again.
“I want to thank Neil and Lou as they have been helpful the whole way,” he said. “Neil is a good friend and a great coach these four years and Lou was here three years and provided a spark every day.
“I will be back, whether at Cal or wherever I can be a special education director, even if it is as a pitching coach.
“But I will be back.”