Coach Nace was a native of Girard. He played basketball at Girard High School and was later inducted into their Hall of Fame. After high school, he attended Ohio State on a full scholarship for basketball. He ultimately left Ohio State to attend and play basketball at Mount Union College. In 1956, after graduating from Mount Union, Nace was hired to teach Phys Ed at Bristol. He coached Boys Basketball, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, as well as Jr Hi Boys Basketball for the Panthers. In addition, Coach Nace was instrumental in starting the Golf program at Bristol.