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Holmes football player rose above atmosphere of despair to become outstanding student-athlete


By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter

One of the senior captains on the Holmes High School football team asked the coaching staff if he could say a few words to his teammates after a weight training session last season.

Stanley Niceley, a three-year starter at linebacker and offensive guard for the Bulldogs, unfolded a sheet of paper and read about growing up in a neighborhood where poverty and crime created an atmosphere of despair for young people.

Football player Stanley Niceley received the Most Outstanding Student Award in the graduating class at Holmes. (Photo by Dale Dawn)

“I was stuck in a hole covered by my past,” he read to his teammates. “I could have easily given up and quit, but that wasn’t me. I felt better than that and refused to accept the same fate as my peers. What could I turn to in order to develop into the person I hoped to be? It was without a doubt education.”

A few days ago, Niceley finished off his high school football career playing in the St. Elizabeth Healthcare East-West All-Star Game. At halftime, he received the Chris Vier Courage Award for overcoming those obstacles he faced to become an exceptional student-athlete.

Niceley was on the straight “A” honor roll at Holmes and received the Most Outstanding Student Award in this year’s graduating class. He will attend the University of Louisville on an academic scholarship and plans to major in business management before applying to dental school.

Holmes head football coach Ben Nevels was more than happy to present the Chris Vier Courage Award to Niceley, who was a team leader in every possible way.

“He’s just such a solid kid,” Nevels said. “He’s a great student, model football player and great teammate. He’s overcome a lot of stuff that could have tripped up other people. I think he’s done a great job of using that to build himself up instead of letting it tear him down.”

In junior high school, Niceley realized he was the one responsible for his future. He said his grandmother, Baretta Sue Niceley, provided the love and support he needed to avoid the negative influences all around him and take advantage of the opportunities provided through education.

“She was the one who helped me through it all,” he said. “I’d have to say she played a big role in helping me realize you have to stay in school, graduate and get done what you need to get done.”

Holmes head coach Ben Nevels, right, presented the Chris Vier Courage Award to Stanley Niceley at halftime of the all-star game. (Photo by Dale Dawn).

Unfortunately, his grandmother passed away right before he entered high school. That was a heartbreaking setback, but Niceley said he stayed on track with the support of other family members, teachers and friends at Holmes and members of his church.

Football also played a role in developing his strong character. Holmes did not have a winning season during his varsity career, but his hard work and perseverance never wavered.

Niceley was named to the conference all-star team twice and received the Mr. Holmes Bulldog Award. Last December, he was among the local players honored with a Top 26 Award by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association.

But the most memorable moment of his senior season may have been sharing his life story with his teammates to let them know anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

“We all have our struggles,” Niceley said. “I know some of them may not be as severe as mine and some of them may be even more severe. I just wanted them to know that it can be done. Education is the way to get out of any situation that you’re in.”

After college and dental school, Niceley would like to return to Covington and set up a practice in his hometown.

“I like helping people,” he said. “That’s my big thing. I want to get a degree and put it to good use helping people and making people’s lives better. That’s my big goal.”


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One Comment

  1. CHRIS says:

    AWESOME…..PROB. A few of these each year, or not so far between….I AM A BULLDOG..love to hear the POSITIVE…b.c it IS there and WE HAVE SOME GREAT STUDENTS AND STAFF….key word some…..shld have said MOST

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