CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association presented special awards during the Regional Meetings this year.
Commissioner Que Tucker and Assistant Commissioner Brad Alford and Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Dreibelbis presented both the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards and the Special Person awards to recipients in each region.
The Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards, named in honor of the Association’s late, long-serving Executive Director, recognize individuals from each region who have dedicated at least ten years to education and athletics. These awards celebrate those who remain active in the field and consistently go “above and beyond” in their contributions at both the local and state levels. Additionally, the Special Person Award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the NCHSAA, even if they are not directly involved in coaching or education.
Region 1
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Larry Williford, Farmville Central High School
Larry Williford has left an indelible mark on Farmville Central High School and the surrounding community through his exceptional leadership of the men’s basketball program. With over 450 wins, more than 20 playoff berths, 12 conference championships, and 5 North Carolina 2A State Championships, his impressive record speaks volumes about his dedication and skill as a coach.
Coach Williford’s accolades further highlight his impact on the sport, including being named the 2016 North Carolina Associated Press Basketball Coach of the Year and serving as the 2022 East/West All-Star Coach. However, his influence goes far beyond statistics.
Known for his tenacity and mentorship, Coach Williford fosters a culture of excellence both on and off the court. He builds deep connections with his players, many of whom return to support the program long after graduation. His commitment to the team is evident in his active participation during home games, whether he’s washing uniforms or welcoming former players back to “The Ville.”
Larry Williford’s unwavering dedication has not only shaped the basketball program but has also reinforced the vital role of Farmville Central in the community. His focus on relationships and excellence continues to inspire future generations of student-athletes, ensuring that his legacy will be felt for years to come.
Special Person Award | Clay Medlin
Since 2018, Clay Medlin has served as the athletic director at J.H. Rose High School, demonstrating exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the school’s athletic program. A proud graduate of both J.H. Rose and East Carolina University, Coach Medlin has guided the Rampants to remarkable success, securing three state championships in baseball, men’s golf, and track while overseeing 18 athletic programs and 33 teams.
Under his stewardship, J.H. Rose Athletics earned the 2023-2024 Wells Fargo Cup for the Big Carolina 3A/4A Conference, a testament to the program’s excellence. Clay actively collaborates with the Rose Athletic Boosters to enhance facilities and cultivate a strong sense of community among students, parents, and supporters.
Beyond his contributions at the high school level, Coach Medlin has been deeply involved in local youth sports. He has served as president of Greenville Babe Ruth since 2012 and Greenville Little League since 2015. Known for his integrity and commitment, he supports his players both on and off the field, embodying the qualities of a true community leader.
A dedicated coach, Clay has been involved with baseball at J.H. Rose since 2002. His passion for the Rampants shines through in his hands-on approach and genuine investment in each athlete’s success. Clay is also a devoted husband to Karen and a proud father to two boys: Russ, a 2023 graduate, and Charlie, who will graduate in 2031. The Medlin family is a familiar presence on campus, reflecting their integral role in the J.H. Rose community.
With his visionary leadership, Clay Medlin continues to propel J.H. Rose High School Athletics to new heights, ensuring a bright future for the Rampants.
Region 2
Special Person Award | Bevin Stokes
Bevin Stokes has been a dedicated member of the Pender High School community since 2005, starting her journey as a CTE teacher and cross-country coach for seven seasons. In 2018, she took on the role of Athletic Director, where she served for a decade while also founding the indoor track program, which she continues to coach today. Bevin has been actively involved with the track and field program at Pender since 2006 and has proudly served as the first responder for the Patriots for over 10 years.
In 2020, Bevin was honored as the Region 2 recipient of the Homer Thompson Eight Who Make a Difference award, recognizing her impactful contributions to education and athletics. Her lifelong commitment to the betterment of young people through public education and interscholastic athletics inspires students to reach their full potential and encourages them to explore their unique gifts.
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Ricky Edwards North Duplin High School
Coach Ricky Edwards has dedicated an impressive 38 years to North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School, with 35 of those years spent as a teacher and coach before stepping into the role of athletic director. Throughout his tenure, he has taught math, health, and physical education while coaching baseball, basketball, football, and softball. Known for his positive impact on athletes and students alike, Coach Edwards is passionate about leadership and helping others reach their full potential.
In 2015, he achieved a remarkable milestone by leading his softball team to victory in the NCHSAA 1A State Championship. Additionally, he has had the honor of coaching the East All-Stars in basketball in 2005 and the North All-Stars in 2015, further showcasing his commitment to excellence in athletics.
A true advocate for North Duplin athletics and the surrounding community, Coach Edwards takes pride in every aspect of the school, from teaching and coaching to maintaining the athletic fields. Although he didn’t grow up in the area, he embodies the spirit of a North Duplin Rebel, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to his students and the school community.
Coach Ricky Edwards’s legacy at North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School is defined not only by his achievements on the field but also by the lasting relationships he has built with his students and athletes, ensuring his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Region 3
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Crystal Massenburg, South Garner High School
Crystal Massenburg has been an athletic director for nine years, driven by her lifelong love for sports and a desire to stay connected with athletes. She believes that her role allows her to support students in athletics, achieve their academic goals, and develop lifelong skills.
One of Crystal’s proudest professional achievements is obtaining her CMAA (Certified Master Athletic Administrator) Certification and joining the NCADA Board of Directors. Additionally, she played a key role in constructing four new dugouts at her school.
Crystal’s journey has been balancing work and life. She focuses on working smarter by refining existing processes and prioritizing tasks through daily to-do lists. Committed to her family, she dedicates weekends to them and intentionally sets aside evenings to unplug from work, embracing her role as a wife and mother.
Special Person Award | Al Royster
Dr. Al Royster Jr. is the head track and field/cross country announcer at South Columbus High School and an esteemed figure in the athletics community. He has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has dedicated his career to education and sports.
A former All-American athlete at Seton Hall University, Al competed professionally for the Santa Monica Track Club, ranking in the top ten in the U.S. for the 800 meters in the late 1990s. His extensive announcing experience spans numerous events, including NCAA championships, high school state championships, and national youth meets.
In addition to his announcing career, Al has held various educational roles, including middle and high school principal and athletic director. He is the Executive Director of Research and Accountability in the Durham Public School System. Al is also a certified USA Track & Field official and a member of NASPAA.
With a passion for expanding his announcing reach, Dr. Royster continues to contribute to the athletics community.
Region 4
Special Person Award | Errol Daniels
Errol Daniels is a respected high school football official & Regional Supervisor (Southeastern Football Officials & Southeastern NC Sports Officials) with a distinguished career that spans over 25 years. Renowned for his commitment to the game, Errol has officiated numerous high school football games, earning a reputation for his integrity and professionalism on the field. Errol has been a Regional Supervisor for NCHSAA Sports, including Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Softball.
A member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), Errol has dedicated his time not only to officiating but also to mentoring young officials, ensuring the next generation upholds the standards of excellence in sportsmanship and fair play.
Beyond the field, Errol is actively involved in his community, promoting youth sports and advocating for the importance of education and athletics in shaping young lives. His contributions to high school football have made a lasting impact, making him a respected figure among coaches, players, and fellow officials.
Errol’s passion for the game and commitment to fostering a positive environment for student-athletes exemplify the spirit of high school sports.
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Russell Dove, South Columbus High School
Russell Dove is the head football coach at South Columbus High School, dedicated to developing his players on and off the field. Raised in the Center Road Community near Bladenboro, North Carolina, he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball at Bladenboro High School. Dove continued his athletic career at Elon College before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he earned a degree in Parks and Recreation Management.
After spending over nine years in retail management, he returned to UNC-P to pursue a degree in Physical Education. His teaching career began at West Columbus High School, where he taught weight training and PE and achieved National Board Certification in 2007. He later served as head football coach at West Bladen High School from 2013 to 2015.
Since joining South Columbus High School as head football coach in 2016, Dove has become a cornerstone of the community. He focuses on his players’ physical and mental development and emphasizes discipline, hard work, and perseverance.
Married to Billie for 20 years, they have two sons: Alex, a 2024 graduate of South Columbus High School, and Cole, a current junior. The Dove family actively participates in Western Prong Baptist Church, where faith is central to their lives. Coach Dove believes that “God, family, and football” are the foundations of his life, instilling values of commitment, integrity, and resilience in his students and athletes. You can find him at South Columbus High School six days a week, passionately nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Region 5
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Joe McCormick, Glenn High School
Joe McCormick began his journey at Glenn High School in 1999-2000. He was the head wrestling coach from 2001 to 2013 and has been the athletic director since 2013. With nearly a decade of involvement in the state wrestling tournament, Joe has been the lead organizer for the past 5-6 years. Notably, he and Glenn High School hosted the state wrestling tournament in 2021 during the pandemic.
In addition to his roles at Glenn, Joe dedicates his weekends in the winter to running tournaments for other schools across North Carolina. He has also contributed to the state basketball tournament in Winston-Salem on several occasions, including the recent event and previous regionals hosted at Glenn. Joe’s commitment to athletics and community engagement significantly impacts the region.
Special Person Award | Joe Franks
Joe Franks is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Coaches Association, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for high school athletics to the role. Joe has dedicated his career to promoting the development and success of coaches and student-athletes across the state. Joe currently sits on the NCHSAA Board of Directors as an affiliate members representing the North Carolina Coaches Association.
Before assuming his current position, Joe was a successful coach and educator, known for his commitment to mentorship and leadership. His extensive background in athletics allows him to effectively advocate for coaches, providing resources and support to enhance their impact on young athletes.
As Executive Director, Joe is focused on fostering a strong community among coaches, promoting best practices, and ensuring that high school sports remain a vital part of the educational experience. His dedication to the advancement of coaching and student-athlete welfare underscores his belief in the transformative power of sports in shaping character and building lifelong skills.
With his enthusiasm and leadership, Joe Franks continues to inspire and elevate the coaching profession in North Carolina, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.
Region 6
Special Person Award | Dr. Kevin Burroughs
Dr. Kevin Burroughs is a dedicated Sports Medicine Specialist with Atrium Health in Concord, providing comprehensive musculoskeletal and sports medicine care for individuals of all ages and skill levels. His commitment to excellence in the field has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association Sports Medicine Person of the Year in 2008, the Most Valuable Attending Award for the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency in 2006, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Resident Teaching Award in 1999.
As a long-time member of the NCHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, Dr. Burroughs has made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of student-athletes. Unfortunately, he is unable to join us this morning due to clinical commitments. Please join us in recognizing Dr. Kevin Burroughs as the Region 6 Special Person Award recipient for his outstanding service and dedication to sports medicine.
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Beverly Pennington, Albemarle High School
We are honored to recognize an extraordinary individual who has profoundly impacted the lives of countless students and teachers—our mom. Her journey to becoming the Principal of Albemarle High School is a testament to her unwavering dedication to shaping the futures of others.
With over 30 years in education, our mom began her career as a guidance counselor at West Montgomery High School in the 1990s before advancing to Assistant Principal at West Montgomery Middle School. Throughout her career, she has prioritized her students, ensuring they feel seen and valued.
While raising three children, she earned her Master’s in School Administration from East Carolina University. After leaving Montgomery County Schools, she embraced new opportunities in the Stanly County School system, where she held various roles, including multiple assistant principal positions and leadership at the district office.
As Principal of Albemarle High School, she has cultivated a thriving academic and extracurricular environment rooted in respect and inclusivity. The values she instilled in us—integrity, empathy, and the belief that one person can make a difference—are reflected in her leadership and her role as a mother.
Region 7
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Nathan Robinson, Alexander Central High School
Nathan has been the athletic director at Alexander Central High School since the fall of 2019 and serves as the Region 7 representative on the NCADA Board of Directors. In 2021, he was recognized as an NCADA Athletic Director of Excellence for his outstanding contributions.
To foster a positive athletic culture, Nathan implements initiatives such as monthly coaching staff breakfasts and the “Athlete of the Week” program. He emphasizes the athletic department’s core values and mission, ensuring that decisions align with these guiding principles. He is also committed to leadership development, actively supporting the professional growth of his two Assistant Athletic Directors.
Nathan began his coaching career in 2002 as the Assistant JV Baseball Coach and became the Head Baseball Coach at West Alexander Middle School in 2003. He started coaching football at Alexander Central High School in 2003 and continued until 2014. After serving as assistant athletic director from 2015, he has recently returned to football as the Outside Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Assistant.
In addition to his athletic roles, Nathan began teaching in 2010, covering CORE construction, career management, and masonry. A proud Alexander Central High School graduate, he completed his studies in 1998.
Special Person Award | Justin & Logan Call
Justin Call began his career with Wilkes County Schools as the student success coordinator at East Wilkes High School in 2006 and is currently a social studies teacher and athletic director. He has been the head baseball coach since 2019 and previously coached junior varsity softball, junior varsity baseball, and varsity men’s basketball. An alumnus of East Wilkes, Justin was a multi-sport athlete recognized with several all-conference and all-county awards and holds NCHSAA state records. He had a standout college career at Emory & Henry, becoming the first athlete in the school’s history to win the Jostens Trophy as Division III Player of the Year. Inducted into the Emory & Henry College Hall of Fame in 2015, Justin is also a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a volunteer for the “Real Men Read” program.
Logan Call began his career with Wilkes County Schools as the student success coordinator at North Wilkes High School in 2011. Throughout his time there, he has coached junior varsity and varsity men’s basketball, football, men’s golf, and women’s track. Logan is currently the health and physical education teacher and athletic director at North Wilkes High School, serving his eighth year as the men’s varsity basketball coach. Last season, his team achieved a historic milestone by sweeping the county in varsity men’s basketball for the first time in 40 years. An East Wilkes High School graduate, Logan excelled in multiple sports, earning numerous all-conference and state awards, and was named the 2004 Chip Pepper Best Male Athlete. He continued his basketball success at Pfeiffer University. Logan is actively involved in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church as chairman of the deacons and teaches Sunday school while contributing to the audio-visual team and youth council.
Region 8
Special Person Award | Heang Uy
Born in Cambodia, Coach Heang Uy and his family arrived in Hendersonville, NC, as refugees. A 1996 graduate of West Henderson High School, he served as student body president and was team captain on their state championship wrestling team, finishing 3rd in the individual state tournament. He also competed on the state champion cross country team in his senior year.
Coach Uy received the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship and attended Elon University, where he now teaches 9th Grade World History and AP Human Geography. Since the fall of 2000, he has been the head wrestling coach and has also served as the head girl’s track coach for over a decade. Under his leadership, his wrestling teams have earned 7 Conference Dual Team Titles and 8 Conference Tournament Titles, achieving their highest finishes as 3A State Tournament Runner-Up in 2016 and 3rd place in 2A/1A in 2006. His wrestlers have earned 10 Individual State Championships and 30 State Placer finishes.
Coach Uy has held various positions, including President, on the North Carolina Wrestling Coaches Association Board. An avid trivia buff and world traveler, he has taken numerous cross-country bus rides and most recently visited France during the Tour de France and the 2024 Olympics.
Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award | Brett Lamb, Highlands High School
Brett Lamb is a highly esteemed coach and educator, currently leading the athletics program at Highlands School. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Brett has made significant contributions to the development of student-athletes both on and off the field.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of character, discipline, and hard work, inspiring his athletes to strive for success while building lifelong skills.
Throughout his tenure, Brett has been a driving force in promoting athletic programs and encouraging young athletes to reach their full potential. His passion for sports and unwavering support for his teams exemplify the values of leadership and commitment to excellence in education.
Brett Lamb continues to make a lasting impact at Highlands School, shaping the future of his athletes and leaving a positive legacy in the world of high school sports.
