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Harvey Brooks, long-time coach in Eastern NC, passes away at 89

KINSTON, N.C. – Long-time coach, Harvey Brooks, passed away late last week in Kinston at the age of 89. He served as a coach in Warrenton early in his career before spending time in Princeton, Jones Senior, C.B. Aycock, Graham, South Stanley and North Johnston during his time in the profession.

Brooks served in the United States Marines, where he coached football at Camp Lejeune prior to attending and graduating from Pfeiffer College in 1959. He began coaching Physical Education in 1960 and coached football, basketball, baseball and track during a 32-year career.

His football teams combined for a record of 238-99-3 with 24 conference championships. Basketball teams fared similarly well under his direction, posting a 320-140 mark with 14 conference titles to their credit. In his brief baseball coaching stint, Brooks went 64-12 with two conference championships.

Brooks is credited with starting the football program at Princeton High School. He coached the East team in the annual East/West All-Star Game in 1982 and served many years on the selection committee for the Shrine Bowl. He served as Athletic Director and Football Coach at Jones Senior starting in 1989 through 1993 where he was said to have been honest, fair and a great role model for youth and adults.

During his long career, he won many awards including the Region 2 Coach of the Year Award, the Meritorious Service Award and Proclamation of Achievement. Wayne County gave him the Dedication Service Award as well. As an Athletic Director, his school won three Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) Conference Cups and one Wachovia State Cup award.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time with Casey Funeral Home of Princeton serving the family.