Al Nichols, the individual most responsible for the Muskegon pipeline to Southern Colorado State College in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away in his western Michigan hometown over the weekend.
Nichols (April 19, 1943 – March 25, 2026) helped steer the likes of Muskegon prep products Sam Moore, John Smith, Larry Hammock, Steve Kidd, and Cal Tatum to Pueblo to play for coach Harry Simmons.
Along with Nichols, the Muskegones scored 7,890 points and grabbed 4,249 rebounds over a 10-season period as SCSC compiled a 173-68 record (66.8 winning percentage) with five appearances in the national tournaments.
“Though many miles separated us over the years, Al was always the one to bridge that distance with a warm phone call and a long, cherished chat,” said Jim Simmons, who played against Nichols in junior college. “That says everything about the man – thoughtful, caring, and always reaching out.”
“Though many miles separated us over the years, Al was always the one to bridge that distance with a warm phone call and a long, cherished chat,” added Simmons, the son of Coach Harry Simmons. “That says everything about the man – thoughtful, caring, and always reaching out.”
Simmons said, “What he admired most about Al was that he returned to Muskegon and gave back in extraordinary ways – 26 years as a school principal, a voice on the radio that generations came to know and love, a mentor to countless young people, and a community leader recognized with some of the highest local honors a person can receive. A Prince of a Man in every sense.”
Born in Chicago during World War II, Nichols was raised in the Muskegon Public School system, where he attended Nelson Elementary and Junior High, and Muskegon High School.
Nichols graduated from CSU with an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree. He continued his postgraduate education at Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University.READ MORE / MUSKEGON HALL OF FAME
