The foundation of the Lake Wylie High School (LWHS) football program has been officially set. In a special meeting held on Wednesday, the Clover School District (CSD) Board of Education approved the hiring of Nicholas Pelham as the first-ever Head Football Coach for the LWHS Chargers.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for the new school, signaling an intent to build a competitive powerhouse right out of the gate. Pelham joins the Chargers from White Knoll High School in Lexington, SC, where he served as both Head Football Coach and Athletic Director.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Pelham arrives at Lake Wylie with a resume defined by championship-level performance and individual accolades. His recent tenure at White Knoll was highlighted by a historic 2023 season where the Timberwolves:
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Finished as the State 5A Runner-Up.
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Completed an undefeated regular season.
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Earned Pelham the 2023 SCACA Football Coach of the Year honors.
His impact on the field has garnered national attention as well, evidenced by his nomination for the 2024 NHSASA National Football Coach of the Year.
A Defensive Pedigree
Before taking the reins at White Knoll, Pelham established himself as one of the premier defensive minds in South Carolina high school football. He served as the Defensive Coordinator for the perennial powerhouse Dutch Fork High School and held leadership roles at Westwood and Richland Northeast. His coaching journey also includes extensive experience in Michigan, with stops at Owosso, Tecumseh, and Onsted High Schools.
Building the “Charger Culture”
The vision for Lake Wylie football is clear: toughness and discipline. Athletic Director Steven Peeler emphasized that Pelham was selected specifically for his ability to instill a “physical brand” of football.
“Nick Pelham is the coach to make that happen,” Peeler stated. “He demands accountability, brings a physical brand of football, and isn’t afraid to set high standards from day one. Coach Pelham knows how to build a program the right way.”
Academic Foundation
In addition to his coaching prowess, Pelham brings a strong academic background to the position. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Adrian College and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Capella University, aligning with the district’s focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes.
As the Lake Wylie community prepares for its first season under the Friday night lights, the hiring of Coach Pelham sends a message that the Chargers are ready to compete from the very first whistle.
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