Central Arizona College head coach Craig Nicholson, and his assistant Jeff Thies, have been named the Speedline/NFCA NJCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year as announced by the association Tuesday. 

In route to claiming his third Division I national title, Nicholson led the Vaqueras to an impressive 72-11 record, including a third place conference finish and a dramatic double-header victory on the final day of the national tournament. 

In his 10 years, Nicholson has led Central Arizona to six conference and seven regional titles, while compiling a 530-58 career record.