RICHARD BAILEY EARNS AWARD FROM CAROLINA PANTHERS
FAYETTEVILLE — Jack Britt High School head football coach Richard Bailey has earned a prestigious award, according to the Fayetteville Observer.
Bailey has been honored as the Carolina Panthers’ high school football Coach of the Year.
Bailey was the winner of the Panthers’ first Coach of the Week award this season. Being selected for that award allowed him to be a finalist for the season honor.
For his weekly win, Bailey received a donation of $1,000 to the Jack Britt athletic department. The overall award earned the school an additional $2,000.
Bailey was honored for his accomplishments both on and off the field.
“This is really a community service award,” Bailey said. “It’s about involvement, trying to develop character, getting guys involved in academics, helping young people.
“I’m proud of the fact that people acknowledged the things we’re doing off the field. It’s not always about winning state and conference championships. That’s what this award is about. I’m honored to receive it.”
He has twice been a conference coach of the year and was the Fayetteville Observer’s All-Cape Fear region coach of the year two times. He served as defensive coordinator for the winning North Carolina team in the 75th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in December.
Bailey’s players annually work with the local Special Olympics and the Very Special Arts Festival for exceptional children. They also take part in “Real Men Read,” a program designed to encourage elementary school students to read.
