NCHSAA urges its schools to purchase defibrillators

The N.C. High School Athletic Association Foundation donated $86,000 to help fund a program that will place an automated external defibrillator in every member school.

An AED can help stimulate a heart that has stopped beating and potentially save lives.

Cardinal Gibbons senior Alex Beuris' life was saved recently when the device was used after his heart failed during a lacrosse game.

Much of the endowment's $11.5 million cannot be spent, but each year interest on the fund can be distributed. The NCHSAA will provide money for AEDs to the first 128 schools who make grant requests. The NCHSAA hopes to continue the program next year.

"A young man at Cardinal Gibbons needed an AED recently and the school had one so he is alive today," said Charlie Adams, the NCHSAA executive director.

"We want every one of our member schools to have one."

In addition, the NCHSAA is refunding $100,000 to its 382 member schools to help pay for catastrophic insurance premiums.

Adams challenged the people attending the annual meeting in Chapel Hill to donate $95 to the fund during the school year, the NCHSAA's 95th anniversary.

East Carolina athletic director Terry Holland was the first person answering the challenge, donating $100 at the meeting.

PEOPLES, WINTERTON HONORED: Former Enloe swim coach Vicki Peoples and Cary wrestling coach Jerry Winterton were honored by the NCHSAA during its annual meeting for contributions to high school athletics in the state.

NCHSAA ACADEMICS: The NCHSAA issued more than 12,000 individual awards to students for academic achievement.

The students had at least a 3.5 unweighted grade-point average for the semester.

In the team division, the NCHSAA has recognized 412 teams this year with at least a 3.1 aggregate GPA.

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR: Jannetta Robinson of Pender and E.J. Abrams-Ward of Thomasville were named the NCHSAA athletes of the year.

Abrams-Ward excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He has accepted a football scholarship to Tennessee.

Robinson played volleyball, basketball, softball and ran track. She plans to attend Barton College.

NCHSAA AWARDS: The NCHSAA recognized its superlatives.

The winners were Anna Spear, Havelock, female coach; Dave Diamont, East Surry, male coach; Shelia Boles, Wilmington Hoggard, athletic director; Ralph Holloway, East Carteret, principal; Steve Page, Henderson County, superintendent; News 14 Carolina Sports, media; and Dr. Jack Hamrick, Shelby, trainer.

TRACK REGIONALS: NCHSAA regional track championships for 2-A and 4-A schools are scheduled for Saturday.

Teams from the Greater Neuse, Mid-Southeastern, Two Rivers and Mideastern conference will compete at Clayton.

The Cap Seven, Tri-Eight, Piedmont Athletic and Coastal will be at Athens Drive.

REGIONAL GOLF: NCHSAA regional golf championships are set for next Monday. The conference breakdowns are the same as for track.

Clayton will host a 4-A regional at Riverwood Golf and Athletic Club in Clayton.

Athens Drive will host a 4-A regional at Anderson Creek Golf Club near Lillington.

The top three teams and the top three individuals not on a qualifying team advance.

KNIGHTDALE ALS GAME: Knightdale has dedicated its Monday baseball game against West Johnston to the ALS Association.

Knightdale coach Joey Worley played for the late East Carolina coach Keith LeClair, who died of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease).