My experience at OPRF High School, specifically in the football program, has shaped me in every aspect of my life. Playing at OPRF for coaches such as Al Allen, Bob Organ, and Jim Nudera, among many others, positively impacted me as I moved through high school and into college. I firmly believe that I learned the lessons, both on the field and off it from the coaching staff.
I can name countless other players who learned those same valuable lessons. While those lessons did not translate to undefeated seasons and state championships during my time at OPRF, I never felt as though I was cheated out of the overall positive experience of playing high school football. In fact, as I have continued my football career at Southern Illinois University over the past three and a half years, I find myself leaning more and more on the lessons learned as a player at OPRF.
Simply put, being a part of the football program at OPRF during Jim Nudera’s tenure is something I am immensely proud of, and something that I cultivated countless positive experiences from.
It is time for OPRF to reach new heights on the field. I’m sure that whoever is hired as the new head coach will feel the positive effects of Jim Nudera’s time at the high school as they lead the program. I wish them the best of luck.
David Pickard
David Pickard played football at OPRF from 2003-’07. He was a captain of the OPRF football team. Pickard is currently a junior at Southern Illinois University, where he is a starting offensive lineman on the football team.%uFEFF
