The Greater Houston Football Coaches Association held its annual Awards Night Wednesday at the University of Houston, and several area coaches, referees, teachers, and students were honored by their peers.

“There are so many outstanding coaches here tonight, and assistant coaches, and trainers, and officials,” said Doug McCutchen, recipient of the John Kelley Distinguished Award. “But the thing that is so special is that we aren’t just honoring one group, we’re honoring all groups. That just makes it so special to see everyone involved in different aspects of athletics be honored.”

David Snokhous, the president of the GHFCA for 2007-08 and Jersey Village coach, welcomed recipients, friends and families.

The first award of the night was the Ronnie Bell Hall of Honor induction. This honor is awarded to those who dedicate countless hours in making a difference in the lives of others.

David Aymond (North Shore), Sonny Karas (Spring) and Barton Massey (former Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association) were chosen by their peers to be inducted. They join 52 others in that great honor.

“Ronnie was a great man and left behind a great legacy,” Aymond said. “And I know the good Lord has him with Him. But I don’t know if he’s on offense or defense.”

“You don’t get one of these things by yourself,” Massey said. “Over the years I’ve worked with some outstanding men. So I’ve had a little help.”

The John Kelley Distinguished Service Award was presented to four gentlemen who have made the GHFCA what it is today. Their contributions have made a positive influence and been a success in honor of the GHFCA.

Billy Ripley (retired referee and Lieutenant), Pete Alfaro (Chairman of the Bayou Bowl), Brian Teykl (member of GHFCA) and McCutchen (Spring ISD Athletic Director) all took great pride in receiving this award.

“This is one of the greatest honors you can receive because it comes from your peers,” McCutchen said. “And for it to be named after John Kelley who has been such a big supporter of athletics in the Houston area is certainly a tremendous honor.”

“It is a tremendous honor to have an award named after John Kelley,”  Alfaro said. “It really touches me and I’m very honored.”

Along side the recipients of the previously mentioned awards were students receiving scholarship awards. The GHFCA had 15 recipients and the family of Ronnie Bell handed out nine scholarships.

The students were from all over the greater Houston area, from schools such as Sealy, Cinco Ranch, Barbers Hill and Hastings.

The last two scheduled awards of the night went to Jamey Horn (Barbers Hill) and Tom Martin (Pasadena Memorial) for 2008 Assistant Coach of the Year and to Jim Davidson (Deer Park) and Dean Easter (Sealy) for 2008 Bobby Gunn Athletic Trainer of the Year.

The program concluded with Snokhous introducing the 2008-09 GHFCA Board of Directors. Corby Meekins, Vice-President under Snokhous, was introduced as the new President.

“It is a great honor for me to take the President for next year,” Meekins said. “This organization is the epitome of what coaching stands for. Everything we do is to give back to the kids; the coaches kids.”

Prior to the awards ceremony, the GHFCA held a Social/barbecue dinner at the University. Following the awards, family and friends gathered for pictures and congratulatory remarks.

Please visit our Photo Connect for pictures available for purchase. A full length DVD of the evening will also be available. Please contact info@athletesconnection.com for further information.

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