Augusta Prep coaches get national recognition

Soccer season has come to an end at Augusta Preparatory Day School, but the awards keep rolling in.

This time, it's the coaching staff's turn.

Augusta Prep soccer head coach Doug Williamson and assistant coach Forrest Wimberly both received recognition from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America last week.

The NSCAA, based in Mission, Kan., is the world's largest single sport coaches association and offers training and education courses for coaches, ranging from recreational level to the collegiate ranks.

Two weeks ago, Williamson became the first high school coach ever to be named an NSCAA senior national staff member and was named a finalist for the National Coaching Award.

Wimberly was named the NSCAA East Region Assistant Coach of the Year and a finalist for the national award.

Williamson becomes one of seven members on the senior national staff and joins the likes of Ohio State men's soccer coach John Bluem and Penn State men's soccer coach Barry Gorman.

"It's something for the whole program to share," Wimberly said. "I don't get this award being at another school."

The two coaches will be honored at the 59th Annual NCSAA Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., in January. Williamson is one of three finalists for the National Coaching Award while Wimberly is one of four finalists for the East Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

Augusta Prep athletic director Tom Holodak said the accomplishments of his two coaches reflect well for the school.