Chesapeake College Head Coach Damon Nichols cuts down the nets after leading his team to the 2012-13 Maryland Junior College Championship. Coach Nichols answered a few questions for 695Hoops.com shortly after the victory.

695:  Where did you grow up?

Coach: I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Caroline County.

695:  Did you play growing up? Tell me about your career...

Coach: Yes, I started playing in middle school and ended my career at Chesapeake College. I was a shooter!

695:  How did you get started coaching?

Coach: I actually started coaching in middle school. I was a player and I helped coach the girls team.

695:  Tell me about your coaching career...

Coach: I have coached at North Caroline high school where we had two undefeated seasons as boys JV head coach. I was also the assistant varsity coach. I was also the head JV football coach and assistant varsity football coach. I came to Chesapeake as the assistant men's coach under John Mapp and we won the region 20 championship and then I took over the women's program. Last year was my fourth year and we won the Maryland JUCO and Region championship and finished 7 in the nation. In 2012-13 we have just won the JUCO championship again.

695:  Who is the biggest influence on your coaching style?

Coach:  I have three, John Thompson, Nolan Richardson and John Chaney.

695: What do you do to improve as a coach?

Coach: I talk to a lot of coaches who have been in coaching for a long time. I also attend clinics and work camps.

695:  Talk about this year's team...

Coach: This year's team is a talented and focused group and I think we can achieve our goals.

695:  What challenges do you face coaching at a JUCO?

Coach: (Laughing) Challenges coaching a JUCO? Hmmm...kids staying focused on grades, bad habits skillwise, 15 different attitudes which every coach deals with and budget.

695. What is your biggest pet peeve as  coach?

Coach: I hate lateness and laziness.

695: Who is on your staff with you this year?

Coach: James Thomas.

695:  What else do you do besides coach?

Coach: I mentor high school kids and handle discipline at North Caroline High School.

695: Good luck the rest of the way.

Coach: Thanks.