LODI BOYS HOOPS COACH STEPS DOWN
Long-time coach spent 14 years leading the Flames
Dave Nutting had no intentions on becoming the Lodi High boys basketball coach in the early 2000s.
Now, 14 seasons and six league titles later, Nutting is ready for a break.
On Wednesday, Nutting said he submitted his letter of resignation as the Lodi High boys basketball coach to the school’s administration last month.
“I’ve been coaching for 37 years,” said Nutting, a father of four who will continue teaching physical education classes at Lodi High next year. “It’s time to spend more time with my family. You can only do something for so long and need a break.”
Health is not a problem for Nutting, 57. Just recently, he and a group of friends ran eight miles in the foothills. He’s also been skiing in recent weeks.
“I’m in as good as shape as I have ever been in my life,” Nutting said.
Nutting’s final game as the Flames’ coach came on Valentine’s Day in February. Closing the season at The Inferno against Tri-City Athletic League and cross-town rival Tokay, as Lodi posted a 76-66 win. The victory ended the Flames’ season at 2-8 in the TCAL and 8-19 overall.
Some of Nutting’s best seasons were this decade. The 2015-16 Lodi boys squad won a share of the TCAL title with St. Mary’s. The prior four seasons, Lodi finished with winning records that included a 23-8 record from the 2011-12 season that included winning the San Joaquin Athletic Association title and played in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II title game at then-Power Balance Pavilion that was formerly known as Arco Arena in Sacramento. That team then hosted Las Lomas of Walnut Creek in a NorCal Regional game.
“Dave dedicated a lot of time developing the players in his program both in and out of season and was able to lead some very successful teams during his tenure,” said Erin Aitken, Lodi High assistant principal who served as the school’s athletic director and varsity girls basketball for most of the 2000s. “He was knowledgeable about the game, and was able to clearly communicate and execute his goal as a coach for the team.”
Aitken pointed out that Nutting shared his knowledge
of the game with other coaches, and preparation.
“Dave was always willing to share his perspective and knowledge of the game with others,” Aitken said. “Lodi High athletics benefited from his 14 years with the (boys basketball program).”
Nutting started teaching math and PE at Lodi at the start of the 2004-05 school year. Shortly after the start of that school year, Nutting was named the new coach after the previous coach was released from his coaching duties.
Before arriving at Lodi, Nutting was the Galt High boys basketball coach during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. In his second and final season, he led the Warriors to a section D-II playoff berth.
As he prepares for more family time, Nutting is reflective of his Lodi squads the last 14 seasons. In particular the teams that won the league titles, and the 2011-12 team.
“Wins and losses, to me, is not a big deal,” Nutting said. “But six league championships and (the 2011-12 team)
that went further than any other in the history of the school. That’s not a bad thing to hang your hat on.”
The 2018-19 Lodi boys squad, Nutting noted, has 10 returning players that should compete well in the TCAL. Junior guard Jaylin Reed, a two-year starter who made all-TCAL first team recently, is one of returning players.
“They should be really good,” Nutting said. “(Next) year’s team should be able to battle and compete. There’s no reason why they can’t compete. I’m not leaving the cupboard bare.”
On top of that, the TCAL will welcome a new member to the league. Modesto Christian will bring its boys and girls’ basketball programs into the league. The Crusaders will remain in the Trans-Valley League, which is D-V, for all other sports.
Nutting said he’ll keep his options open of returning to coaching high school or college basketball again down the road.
“That’s why I say ‘never say never,’” Nutting said. “I’m going to play it by ear.”