Lessons from Laney, Flight 22 lead Nathan Faulk back to high school sidelines
Jackson Fuller
Wilmington StarNews
Nathan Faulk wasn't rushing to get back into the high school basketball scene after he left Laney in 2017.
The former Buccaneers' head coach opted to go the showcase route, and for three years Faulk put all of his energy into Flight 22, a local club team he owns and coaches.
But on Monday night, Faulk was back roaming a high school sideline in Wilmington. Wayne Country Day School hired Faulk this offseason to be the Chargers' boys basketball head coach, and his team improved to 9-1 with a 60-46 win over Coastal Christian.
"The fire is always in your belly to walk the high school sidelines again," Faulk said before Monday's game. "I always told myself if the right opportunity presented itself, I'd get back in. This was the right opportunity, but I also think I was mentally ready."
Even as Wayne Country Day's coach, Faulk continues to run Flight 22 and coach its elite 17-under team. This offseason was a challenging one with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but Faulk also calls it his most rewarding summer of basketball. He embraced the chance to give kids an avenue to play basketball and get seen by college coaches, while high school sports remained shut down.
During his three-year break from high school basketball, Faulk also spent time as a co-host for WWAY's Full Court Press. He believes his time as a member of the media and as a high school basketball observer made him more prepared for his current position.
"I don't think any coach steps away and takes a break and it doesn't benefit them moving forward," Faulk said. "You have to adapt with the times, when it comes to coaching and managing. I think I've gotten better managing a program, to go along with Xs and Os."
Faulk, a South Columbus alum and former head coach with the Stallions, still lives in Wilmington and commutes to Goldsboro for practices and games. He's also stayed loyal to his staff, with Jeremy Clegg and Dom Owens serving as his assistant coaches with the Chargers after helping Faulk at Laney and with Flight 22.
Faulk stepped into a great position, with four seniors and a wealth of experience on the WCDS roster. After dropping their first game of the season, the Chargers are now on a nine-game win streak. Their athleticism and up-tempo offense have given opponents fits this season.
He knows there will be a time in the near future where he needs to rebuild and reload, and he's excited about that process.
For now, the focus is all on this year. Faulk is optimistic about a deep playoff run and challenging for the conference title, but he's mainly hopeful for a safe and full season.
"I missed the daily interaction with the kids, and I think coming back into a difficult time like this, it's made me more appreciative to be back," Faulk said. "I know they appreciate us having a season, we just want it to feel as normal as possible."
Reporter Jackson Fuller can be reached at Jackson.Fuller@StarNewsOnline.com or 910-343-2262.
Jackson Fuller
Wilmington StarNews
Nathan Faulk wasn't rushing to get back into the high school basketball scene after he left Laney in 2017.
The former Buccaneers' head coach opted to go the showcase route, and for three years Faulk put all of his energy into Flight 22, a local club team he owns and coaches.
But on Monday night, Faulk was back roaming a high school sideline in Wilmington. Wayne Country Day School hired Faulk this offseason to be the Chargers' boys basketball head coach, and his team improved to 9-1 with a 60-46 win over Coastal Christian.
"The fire is always in your belly to walk the high school sidelines again," Faulk said before Monday's game. "I always told myself if the right opportunity presented itself, I'd get back in. This was the right opportunity, but I also think I was mentally ready."
Even as Wayne Country Day's coach, Faulk continues to run Flight 22 and coach its elite 17-under team. This offseason was a challenging one with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but Faulk also calls it his most rewarding summer of basketball. He embraced the chance to give kids an avenue to play basketball and get seen by college coaches, while high school sports remained shut down.
During his three-year break from high school basketball, Faulk also spent time as a co-host for WWAY's Full Court Press. He believes his time as a member of the media and as a high school basketball observer made him more prepared for his current position.
"I don't think any coach steps away and takes a break and it doesn't benefit them moving forward," Faulk said. "You have to adapt with the times, when it comes to coaching and managing. I think I've gotten better managing a program, to go along with Xs and Os."
Faulk, a South Columbus alum and former head coach with the Stallions, still lives in Wilmington and commutes to Goldsboro for practices and games. He's also stayed loyal to his staff, with Jeremy Clegg and Dom Owens serving as his assistant coaches with the Chargers after helping Faulk at Laney and with Flight 22.
Faulk stepped into a great position, with four seniors and a wealth of experience on the WCDS roster. After dropping their first game of the season, the Chargers are now on a nine-game win streak. Their athleticism and up-tempo offense have given opponents fits this season.
He knows there will be a time in the near future where he needs to rebuild and reload, and he's excited about that process.
For now, the focus is all on this year. Faulk is optimistic about a deep playoff run and challenging for the conference title, but he's mainly hopeful for a safe and full season.
"I missed the daily interaction with the kids, and I think coming back into a difficult time like this, it's made me more appreciative to be back," Faulk said. "I know they appreciate us having a season, we just want it to feel as normal as possible."
Reporter Jackson Fuller can be reached at Jackson.Fuller@StarNewsOnline.com or 910-343-2262.
