February 14, 2023

 Montana Coaches Association MEDIA RELEASE

 The Montana Coaches Association is pleased to announce that the following 11 Montana Coaches have been selected as “Finalists” for National Coach of the Year, by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA):

ChuckBrownAsst COY Boys’Fairfield
TerrySouhardaAsst COY Girls’Polson
TerryThomasBasketball – Boys’Beaverhead Co. Dillon
ErikaCannonSoccerBozeman
EdMcNameeSwimmingGreat Falls and CMR
RobStantonGirls’ Track and FieldBillings West
OwenBurchGolfHamilton
GeorgeFergusonTennisHavre
JulieShepherdSpecial  Sports (Cheer)Choteau
EliFieldSoftballFrenchtown
NateLaslovichWrestingGallatin

Coaches are nominated by each member state. Eight finalists are selected in each sport category.  This is a tremendous honor for Montana and for each of these well-deserved individuals.

Finalists will be honored during The National Coach of the Year Awards Banquet which will take place at the NHSACA National Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska on the evening of July 27, 2023. The highlight of the banquet will be the naming of the NHSACA National Coach of the Year in nineteen recognized sports categories.

The nominees and finalists were selected based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage.  They are evaluated by experts in the field of coaching, using a sport-specific rubric to assign points in each category.  NHSACA was formed by coaches, for coaches, and has been recognizing National Coaches of the Year since 1978.

Friends, family, and fellow coaches are encouraged to attend the NHSACA Convention and Award Ceremony.  For more information, go to:  http://www.hscoaches.org/