CHAPEL HILL– Eight “coaches who make a difference” by virtue of their exemplary sportsmanship will be honored by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association at the NCHSAA’s Annual Meeting on May 3 at the Dean E. Smith Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

The coaches have been selected for the Homer Thompson Memorial Eight Who Make a Difference award. The award is named in honor of the late Homer Thompson, the long-time Winston-Salem Parkland coach and member of the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. “It is fitting that Homer Thompson’s name be affixed to an award about coaches who make a difference,” says NCHSAA executive director Charlie Adams, “for Homer certainly did make a difference in the lives of many and truly was an outstanding role model.”

The winners were chosen by a special committee based on nominations from the member schools. They will receive a plaque from NCHSAA assistant executive director Mark Dreibelbis as part of the Association’s student services program.

Coaches receiving this honor for 2006-07 include the following:

Region 1 Coleman Bailey, cross-country and men’s and women’s track coach at Greenville D.H. Conley

Region 2 Jimmy Smith, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach at South Lenoir

Region 3 Danny Ward, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach at North Edgecombe

Region 4 Wendy Barton, assistant volleyball, softball and basketball coach at Lumberton Purnell Swett

Region 5 DePaul Mittman, women’s track and field coach at Western Guilford

Region 6 Ron Massey, athletic director and head football coach at Kannapolis A.L. Brown

Region 7 Mike Greene, head track, assistant cross-country and basketball coach at North Wilkes

Region 8 Craig Long, head women’s soccer and assistant football coach at West Henderson

Each school had the opportunity to nominate one of its coaches for this award. “These coaches provide excellent role models with their positive approach,” says Adams.

GlaxoSmithKline, a long-time supporter of the NCHSAA, underwrites the recognition for high school coaches.