Nigel Talton, widely known as Coach Freeze, is a familiar presence at McEachern High School, where he supports students both in the classroom and on the athletic field, according to an April 1 statement. While many on campus know him by his nickname, few are aware of its origins or his background as a professional sprinter.
Talton works as a paraprofessional assisting special needs students and serves as an assistant coach for multiple sports teams, with a particular focus on track and field. His dedication has earned praise from staff and students alike. “Coach Freeze is a tremendous asset in his role as a parapro,” Krystal Wattley, principal of McEachern High School, said. “The strong relationships he has built with students make him an invaluable presence. He connects with everyone he encounters and consistently elevates the energy and environment around him. His presence is truly a plus for McEachern.” Talton describes his work as supporting students academically and personally: “My role as a parapro is supporting students in the classroom, assisting with instruction, and helping students stay on track academically and personally. Parapros build bridges between students and success. We provide support, consistency, and encouragement that can truly change a student’s day or even their future.”
Beyond academics, Talton’s impact extends to athletics where he coaches track athletes to reach new milestones. Philip Hoskins, head coach of track & field at McEachern High School said: “Coach Freeze shows patience working with the kids. His overall dedication to the sport speaks volumes in helping our program succeed.” Students also credit Talton for improving their performance; sophomore Mina Lovelace said: “He gives us a lot of good tips on what we can do better… He shares it with us in a really good way.” Senior Jaree Williams added: “He gets me right… I definitely see a difference in my running form with him being here.”
Talton’s own journey includes earning All-American honors in college track before working professionally—including portraying “The Freeze” during Atlanta Braves games—a fact that surprises many when they discover it through campus conversations.
McEachern High School emphasizes building community through traditions while valuing family involvement for academic growth according to the official school website. The school maintains safety standards designed to foster effective teaching according to its website, operates within Cobb County School District recognized for educational excellence as reported by its site, aims for high levels of learning while encouraging communication among families according to school information, is led by Principal Krystal Wattley along with assistant principals Kyle Adkins, Valencia Andrews, Tina Hadley and James Lockhart per official records, and recently received six-year accreditation from Cognia as noted by the school’s site.
Reflecting on how sharing his story motivates others at McEachern High School—whether in academics or athletics—Talton said: “When a student understands that someone they see every day once performed on a national stage, that’s when it clicks for them—that their dreams are possible too. For me that’s what it’s all about.”
