Cross Country and Track Coach Mike Nestor recently celebrated his 25th year of coaching for Ocean Lakes with a surprise presentation at Seashore State Park, where he has trained his runners for years.

Over 40 of Nestor’s student athletes, current and alumni included, gathered at First Landing State Park on June 2 to surprise him with a special bench to commemorate him. Nestor’s family was also in attendance.

“We’ve been planning this for maybe a month or more. A lot of people donated money to make the bench happen,” said senior Jackson Rehfuss.

The group also presented Nestor with a scrapbook, filled with memories over the course of his 25-year career.

The bench is located on the White Creek Trail in the park, and is inscribed with “Given in Honor of Coach Nestor by OLXC, Commemorating 25 Years of Coaching and Inspiring Athletes to ‘Love, Care and Serve.’”

After the surprise, the group went on their usual Sunday run through the park.

“Nestor has been one of the most influential people in my life thus far. He fostered an environment of family, hard work and commitment,” said alumni XC runner Brendan Wiles. “He provides a team where everyone knows that each teammate has each other’s back.”