Notebook: Clayton will name stadium after 2 memorable coaches

The football field that has been a centerpiece – geographically – of the Clayton High campus for so many years will get a name of its own when the 2015 season begins.

The field will be renamed Nixon-Fowler Stadium in honor of the coaches who led the Comets football program for a combined 53 years. The stadium name honors Glenn Nixon, who coached Clayton from 1959 until 1984 and built a consistent winner, and Gary Fowler, who took over for Nixon in 1985 and coached through the 2012 season.

“During these 53 years, their success in leading so many Comets on the field and in the classroom has set the standard for future Comets and our athletic program,” Clayton Principal Clint Eaves, a member of a Fowler-led 1989 state 2A championship team, said in a statement. “This is a well-deserved honor for two men who gave so many years to Clayton High School.”

The dedication ceremony will be before the Comets’ home opener Aug. 21 against Cleveland. The ceremony will take place at 6:45 p.m. The game will kick off at 7.

Gates are to open at 5:30 with a $7 admission charge.

NCCA coaches announced: Four area coaches were selected to help coach next summer’s N.C. Coaches Association all-star games.

Corinth Holders’ Don Andrews will be an assistant for the East in the East-West football game, and Bill Hall, who just retired as Northwood’s coach, will assist the West along with county rival Marty Scotten of Jordan-Matthews.

South Johnston coach David Dewey will assist the N.C. boys in the Clash of the Carolinas basketball game.

Patriots scrimmage: Apex Friendship will host the inaugural Patriot Pride Kickoff, an intrasquad scrimmage, at 8-10 a.m. on Aug. 8. The new school, located just north of New Hill, will play only a junior varsity schedule this fall.

Admission is free, but patrons can preorder breakfast from Bojangles’. Hats, decals and shirts also will be available for purchase.

Panther Creek hires coaches: Panther Creek announced two fall sports coaches Tuesday. Paul Scruggs, formerly of North Pitt, will be the cross country coach, and Chad Sichak will be the boys’ soccer coach. Sichak also coaches the wrestling team.

D. Clay Best contributed to this report.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Notebook: Clayton will name stadium after 2 memorable coaches."