Per the News Times Online, Former Greenbrier Pitcher Nolan Belcher Accepts Position with USC-Aiken Coaching Staff! Former Greenbrier star Nolan Belcher has agreed to join the coaching staff at USC Aiken. Belcher just finished his final season as a pitcher for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He ended his stint in Columbia with a tremendous senior campaign. The talented lefty finished the season 7-5 with a 2.38 era. He also led the team in innings pitched (117), strikeouts (95), and walked only 16 batters. Over the last nine years, Belcher has won three high school state championships and two college national titles. He will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2013-14 season as he pursues his master’s degree in business administration. Bringing in Belcher is a major coup for Pacer head coach Kenny Thomas. Last year Thomas lost long- time assistant Michael Holder, who took a job at North Georgia University. Holder had helped Thomas create a Columbia County pipeline in recent years. Last season, six players on the Pacers’ roster were products of Columbia County. A year ago, they helped guide the Pacers to 42 wins and the team spent several weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation. With the addition of Belcher, the Pacers will instantly be on the radar for kids who grew up watching Belcher baffle hitters during his prep career at Augusta Christian and Greenbrier. Between 2005-08, Belcher posted an astonishing 47-2 record with an equally incredible 516 strikeouts. Who would not want their son working with the best pitcher to ever toe a rubber in the county? I can’t think of anyone, and I am sure Thomas is banking on that notion too. As if getting Nolan Belcher was not enough for the Pacers. They have also landed another Belcher. Nolan’s cousin, Kody, is also suiting up for the Pacers this season. The fleet-footed outfielder was a standout at Lakeside during his prep career. He helped lead the Panthers to the 2011 state finals before signing with Kennesaw State. Well, Belcher has chosen to transfer to USC-Aiken, and should be an excellent addition to the Pacers squad.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:45:52 +0000