Photo by: Jairy C. Hunter MD/for the Journal Scene

Summerville coach John McKissick is a finalist for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.

Summerville High School Athletic Director and football coach John McKissick is being honored by the NFL.

On Friday McKissick, who has more coaching victories under his belt than any other football coach at any level, was named one of three finalists for the prestigious Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.

Created in 2010, the award honors exemplary high school football coaches who display the integrity, achievement and leadership demonstrated by the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula.

“I’m honored,” McKissick said. “The process begins with all pro teams nominating a coach and the Carolina Panthers organization nominated me. Me and Joan are flying out to Indianapolis Thursday to attend some events.”

During a banquet Saturday night being held in conjunction with Super Bowl week, McKissick and fellow finalists John Herrington of Farmington Hills High School in Michigan and Hal Lamb of Calhoun High School in Georgia will be honored. That banquet is scheduled to be televised by NBC Saturday beginning at 9 p.m.

The 2011 Don Shula recipient will officially be announced during a press conference at 9:15 a.m. Feb. 3 at the NFL Motorola Super Bowl Media Center at the JW Marriott Hotel. Shula will present the award to the winner.

McKissick said he and his wife will stick around to attend Sunday’s Super Bowl game.

“I’ve never been to one so I’m excited,” McKissick said. “Whether it’s high school, college or pro ball once you get to the finals the competition is good. Two teams will play for the honor of being named the best in the country so it should be fun to watch.”

If McKissick is named the award recipient, he will be the NFL’s official guest at the big game.

Each finalist for the award receives a $2,500 cash award and a $5,000 grant for their high school football program. The national Shula Award winner receives a $10,000 cash award and a $15,000 grant.

The selection panel for the award includes some NFL heavyweights as well as recognizable personalities from other walks of life. Panel members include Shula, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Tony Dungy, John Madden, Art Shell, IBM Board Chairman Sam Palmisano and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

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