BESSEMER CITY—Veteran teacher and coach Eric Nichols, who has spent much of his career at Bessemer City High School, has announced his retirement, according to the Gaston Gazette.

     Nichols coached for years at Bessemer City Junior High and then has been an assistant football coach, head football coach and head track coach at Bessemer City High during his 31 years in teaching and coaching.

     He has served in the roles as assistant football coach and head track coach at BC since 1999.