Dr. Michelle Bouchard and Larry Brown are leading a local quest to see Boothbay Region High School Coach Nick Scott win the 2014 Brooks Running’s Inspiring Coach contest.

Scott needs no introduction to any local high school sports fan or running enthusiast. Under his direction, BRHS is now a running school and Boothbay is, perhaps, on its way to becoming a running town.

In a relatively short time, Scott has transformed BRHS’s small cross country program into a reliable powerhouse. The Seahawks cross country team has won two state championships in the the last six years, as well as numerous conference, regional and individual titles.

Scott also created the Nordic skiing program, as an adjunct to the aerobic lifestyle, and that team continues to grow and flourish. With the help of assistant coaches and without a track, under Scott, the outdoor track and field team is now the Seahawks’ largest team sport.

Scott's efforts and success have also inspired and engaged adults in this community and beyond. With the help of local parents and runners, Scott founded the annual Lobster Roll 5k, now a summer staple, and he has been instrumental in the ongoing effort to build an outdoor community track in Boothbay Harbor.

Beyond the medals and trophies and expanding programs, Scott has stirred something more at BRHS. He inspires his athletes to reach beyond their mind’s limitations and to adopt a disciplined, goal-focused life. He runs alongside his students and his positive, determined attitude has been a shining example to them through his family’s recent medical crisis.

Larry Brown and Jonne Trees created a video last week that featured local runners and Scott himself, to send with the Brooks nomination.

“It’s more than what he’s done for the cross country program,” Brown said. “What impresses me even more is the feeling he has for these kids. He not only looks at what they are doing athletically, it’s a whole life emphasis. He teaches them how they can use running, or what they have learned in athletics, to be more successful in their lives.”

Bouchard said she saw the Brooks contest on Facebook and immediately thought of Scott.

“He is so quiet and humble, but yet has turned a program from really nothing into many championship teams,” Bouchard said. “My daughter loves him as a teacher and he is most definitely an asset to this community. Whoever thought about cross country until he showed up here?  Not many. It was football/basketball. I just think he's a great guy and has a great story.”

Brooks Running will accept nominations until May 30. To add your voice in support of Scott, go to the Brooks Running Nomination page.