2025 Interview with Tri-County North Head Coach Nicholas Bandstra


Nicholas Bandstra


Tri-County North HS


Head Coach/PE & Health Teacher
 

Proud Graduate of Ohio University #GoBobcats!!


What is the toughest part of leaving a head coaching job?
 

Leaving Bradford was tough because it wasn't a professional decision; it was a factor that I could not control. We pretty much had everything going in the direction that you would want with player buy-in, numbers, and a supportive administration. However, I had to leave because I had a family member whose health got very bad, and my wife needed to be closer to them. Those are tough conversations to have, but as I told the players, "I can't preach family and ignore my own."

What will you most remember about your time at Bradford?
 

The relationships that were made. We had a really good group of kids, staff, and community. I am appreciative of all the hard work they put in during the year I was there.

What were some of the biggest reasons you took the job at Tri-County North?

 
There are a lot of reasons; with my family members' health improving, I was fairly selective on what I would have accepted. Tri-County North has a committed administration, great facilities, tradition, a community that supports football, and students who want to be successful.


What was the first thing you said to the new team when you met with them?
 

We talked about the plan going forward, their potential, and our 3 core values (accountability, relationships, and energy). We A.R.E. North!!

What are you looking forward to the most with your new team?

 
I am looking forward to building relationships with our students/community and competing this summer. We got a couple 7v7s scheduled for our high school and middle school this summer to see who wants to compete.

What offense and defense will you run this season?

 
Offensively and defensively, we will be similar to when I was at Bradford. Some adjustments and new adaptations, but at the core very similar.


How important is community buy-in to the team and the school?

 
It is very important, especially at the small school level. Your community is the lifeblood of your program and your school.

How will you go about trying to increase the numbers in the program from the younger levels up to the varsity?

It is about building relationships, getting to know the kids, and being present. I am there on Saturdays now for lifting and watching some baseball. You also want to make the environment something the kids want to be at.

Will you guys be able to play a full JV schedule in 2025?


It will depend on numbers; the plan is to try to play a JV schedule or do some 8-man JV games. Our league has done some 8-man JV in the past if they did not have enough for JV but wanted to get kids reps.

How important is it to the program to start getting kids recognized as far as getting invites to all-star games and winning weekly awards?

 
I think it is very important. I want all of our student-athletes to be recognized when they excel, no matter what sport it is. You will see a lot of stuff from us on social media this summer and coming season. Coaches need to make sure they are a part of their local and state coaches associations so they can nominate student-athletes for awards and all-star games.

How will you go about choosing team captains?

 
Historically I have had the team vote on 3, and coaches will select 1. It kind of just depends on the team and the given year.

What are your thoughts as a coach on playing games on Thursday or Saturday?

 
I do not mind Thursday night games. Our league usually does several each year. Not a fan of Saturday personally. It messes up routines and hinders student-athletes' recovery time for the following week.

What is your favorite full-course meal?

 
My mom's Kroketten and Stamppot.

Who is your favorite athlete?

 
Growing up it was Kobe & Shaq; they are the main reason I became a Lakers fan. Presently, I do not know if I have a favorite athlete.


What is the last book that you read along with the author?

The Modern 46 by Robert Rubel is the last book I read. I also just finished Dick Vermeil's leadership manual that he sent me after I interviewed him.

 

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