Black selected for award

FLOWOOD – Jackson Preparatory School announced this week that the National High School Athletic Coaches Association has selected Ricky Black as NHSACA national coach of the year in the sport of football.

Black, also a former Mississippi State assistant football coach under Jackie Sherrill, was selected from eight finalists from across the nation during The National Coach of the Year Awards Banquet, held at the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's national convention, at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 27.

“What a well-deserved honor for coach Black," Jackson Prep Athletic Director Will Crosby said. "We are so proud of coach Black and the Prep family is excited for the rest of the country to know what we've known for years: that Ricky Black is one the best to ever coach the game."

The highlight of the banquet was the chosing of the NHSACA national coach of the year in 19 recognized sports categories. Black was nominated for this national honor by the Mississippi Association of Coaches. This selection was based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years, and winning percentage. The nominees and finalists were evaluated by experts in the field of coaching using a sport-specific rubric to assign points in each category. The National High School Athletic Coaches Association is the oldest coaches association in the nation formed by coaches, for coaches, and has been recognizing national coaches of the year since 1978.