Athletics has always been in the blood for Nick Raymond. Raymond’s father, Gene, has been a longtime football coach and also served as an athletic director. Nick has followed in that same path, with a dozen years of coaching experience by the age of 30. Raymond began his career as an athletic director less than two years ago, and now that career will take him to Derry Area.

Raymond, who resides in Indiana, was unanimously hired as athletic director for the Trojans last month, filling the void from the departure of Brett Miller, who stepped down in late September. Raymond, who currently serves as AD at Forest Hills near Johnstown, will finish that role over the next few weeks before starting at Derry Area.

“I was excited. Derry is a great school district – a fantastic opportunity,” he said of being approved last Thursday. “A little bit closer to home. I like the community – it’s similar to what I knew. Getting a chance to be an AD in the WPIAL is something that was attractive to me, as well,” he added.

Raymond attended Homer-Center, playing football, basketball, and baseball for the Wildcats. After graduating in 2009, he went to college at nearby Indiana University of Pennsylvania, while also serving as an assistant football coach at Homer-Center. After beginning with the junior high program, he worked his way up to the varsity, working alongside current Derry Area head coach Mike Arone.

“Knowing Mike, (we) had some conversations about it, and he had nothing but great things to say,” Raymond said of Arone’s feedback about Derry Area.

While his football coaching tenure spanned a dozen years, Raymond gained experience in various other roles while working with White Township Recreation. Those roles included field maintenance, scheduling, programming, and event management.

“I’ve done a lot of things in the athletic world,” he stated.

In January 2022, he was hired as the AD at Forest Hills. The Rangers have enjoyed success in athletics during his tenure, including this fall, as the football team beat River Valley in the District 6 quarterfinals on Friday.

While his predecessor left a significant legacy with Trojans athletics, Raymond primarily hopes to maintain the high standards as he acclimates into the Derry Area community

“I kind of want to continue what (Brett Miller) put in place,” he said. “They’re going to get someone that’s committed and wants people to succeed for all the right reasons.”