University of Mount Olive

Larry Nance was responsible for starting the Mount Olive College athletics department in the mid-1960’s. Nance was the school’s first-ever head coach for baseball, men’s basketball and men’s golf. Nance also initiated the Mount Olive Pickle Classic men’s basketball tournament, which enters its 41st year this November. Nance also served as Dean of Students and Dean of the Physical Education Department at Mount Olive. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Nance is also in the ASU Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a tennis player.