Pelham Begins Fourth Season at White Knoll

Thomas Grant

Special to the HSSR

Columbia - When Nick Pelham came over from across Lake Murray from Dutch Fork to Red Bank and White Knoll High School in 2021, he brought with him a winning pedigree.

He was the defensive coordinator for the Silver Foxes under head coach Tom Knotts during their historic five-year run as Class 5A champions. Pelham looked to bring those successful ideas and a “gold touch” to both football and the overall sports program as the school’s athletics director.

Entering Year Four, the Timberwolves’ program has plenty to “howl” about. The football team is coming off its winningest season ever at 14-1, reaching the state title game for the first time where it lost to Dutch Fork.

Pelham’s efforts earned him the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) Football Coach of the Year. This award recognized Pelham’s unwavering dedication, strategic prowess, and leadership in guiding the Timberwolves from a winless team when he took over to a Lower State champion.

Pelham’s work has not been limited to improving the football program. He’s overseen the hiring of such heralded head coaches as boys’ basketball coach Willie Thomas while also insuring all of the programs have quality facilities in keeping up with some of its larger county rivals.

"I believe the most important determinant of success in high school sports are consistency and continuity, especially when it comes to coaching,” Pelham said. “We are finally getting to the point where we have hired coaches that want to work year around and build their program. But most importantly these coaches want to be at White Knoll High School.

“With the momentum that we have gained in a few of our sports I believe that overall success is imminent in all of our sports programs" 

Pelham’s coaching staff exemplifies his mission at White Knoll. Each of his position coaches are led by men with high credentials both as players and mentoring them:

Adam Holmes – Quarterbacks

Since entering the coaching ranks, the former University of South Carolina long snapper has enjoyed winning success in both SCISA at Orangeburg Prep and the S.C. High School League where he led Gray Collegiate to a Class 2A title.

Justin Crocker – offensive line/strength

Since coming over from rival River Bluff, the longtime assistant has built arguably one of the team’s deepest positions.

Shaq Young – Offensive Coordinator/wide receivers

The former Fairfield Central player and assistant coach is entering his third season with the Timberwolves. Former second team All-State tight end Hasan Lee will also work with Young this season.

Brent Wilder – Running Backs

The former Swansea head coach also served as a Saluda offensive coordinator and offensive and defensive coordinator at Strom Thurmond.

Caleb Clark – Tight Ends

He’s also the school’s track and field coach who led the Dreher boys to a state runner-up in 2022. Previous stops were at Union, Swansea, and A.C. Flora

Neal Smith and Kyle Kimrey – Defensive Backs

Smith was named the S.C. Football Coaches Association’s Class 5A Lower State Coach of the Year. Kimrey has also served as the school’s wrestling coach.

Mike Jones – Linebackers

Jon Slatten and Martel Luster – Defensive Line

NON-FOOTBALL COACHES

SOFTBALL – April Farr

One of the longest tenured head coaches at White Knoll having started in 2014. She led the Lady Timberwolves to the 2018 Class 5A softball team and has sent numerous players to the college ranks

GIRLS SOCCER – Michael Arket

He comes over from Richland Northeast where he led the Lady Cavaliers to their first region win since 2019. He’s also coached at Lexington Soccer Academy.

BOYS SOCCER – Jeff Freeman

Entering his third season with the Timberwolves coaching in arguably one of the toughest soccer regions in the state.

BASEBALL – Dolan Crolley

He comes over from Lugoff-Elgin, where he served as an assistant coach this past season. Previously, Crolley was an assistant coach and later interim head coach at Blythewood High School for the 2023 season. He led the Bengals to the Class 5A title game.

BOYS BASKETBALL – Willie Thomas

The longtime prep basketball coach is among the head coaches to take three teams to the state championship game. We won three state titles at Bowman and Holly Hill-Roberts.

GIRLS BASKETBALL – Coretta Ferguson

GIRLS LACROSSE – Melissa Simkiw

BOYS LACROSSE – Brian Simkiw

VOLLEYBALL – Becca Burris

GOLF – Rocky Burns

GIRLS TENNIS – Kristin Wood

BOYS TENNIS – Patrick McManus

COMPETITIVE CHEER – Breyonna Miller

SWIMMING – Louis Biles

CROSS COUNTRY – Journey Jones