Nichols College officials in Fla. school OK after shooting
Nichols College Dean of Admissions Paul Brower.
A Nichols College administrator and assistant football coach were present in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. when a gunman opened fire and killed at least 17 people on Wednesday. Both Nichols officials are unharmed.
Dean of Admissions Paul Brower and assistant football coach St. Clair Ryan were visiting the school to recruit football players, as they’ve done about a dozen times over a six-year relationship with the South Florida high school.
"While we are grateful for their safety, our community is profoundly saddened by the tragedy at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Our deepest sympathies go to the victims’ families and friends during this very difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Parkland community," Nichols President Susan West Engelkemeyer said.
Brower said the shooting began as they were meeting with four seniors in the locker room area. An abrupt fire alarm was followed by a “Code Red” call.
Shortly after, the sound of muffled gunshots were heard, he said. Students with him began seeing the news on social media and via text message.
The gunman never came close to the area, which Brower described as bunker behind locked doors.
Aaron Feis, an assistant football coach at the high school, was among those killed. Media reports indicate he shielded students from gunfire, losing his life in the process.
Brower said he’s met Feis about 10 times in the past.
Brower gave credit to the school’s faculty, which handled the tragedy with poise and control
“They deserve a ton of credit,” he said. “They handled in the best way they could.”
On Thursday, Brower said he was continuing a recruiting trip on the western part of the state.
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