Wilfred “Willie” Nicklin

2009 Distinguished Staff Award

Boys Physical Education, Head Basketball Coach.

Born in Baldwin City, KS, Willie Nicklin graduated from Horton, H.S. and from KU in 1956. He taught at Arnold, KS, and Oxford, KS, before coming to Topeka’s Landon Jr. High in 1963. From 1965 to 1994 he taught and coached at Topeka High. “Willie” took over as head basketball coach in 1970 compiling a record of 501 wins (including seasons with other schools) along with a record 12 I-70 League championships, plus two State championships, 1973 and 1986. The court in the grand, old main gym is named in his honor: the Wilfred “Willie” Nicklin Court.