Vote Now: Bay County's Best Coaches Compete for 2025 Honor!

Fort Walton Beach, USA - On June 7, 2025, Tommy Oliver Stadium in Panama City buzzed with excitement as a one-day youth football camp took place. This event, promoted by Javien Elliot, a local star from Rutherford and Florida State University-Panama City, brought young athletes together for skill development in a vibrant and supportive setting. Not only did the camp offer participants a chance to hone their football techniques, but it also fostered community spirit among aspiring players.

As summer unfolds, many opportunities for youth engagement arise, not just in football but across various sports. For example, youth camps hosted by Cal Football at the University of California, Berkeley will be kicking off shortly. According to Cal Sports Camps, these camps focus on non-contact skill development, and young athletes can expect top-notch instruction from experienced coaches and players. Each participant will engage in both offensive and defensive drills, along with fun competitions that promise to be enjoyable for kids of all skill levels.

Recognizing Coaching Excellence

As we shine a light on youth sports this season, it’s essential to recognize the outstanding efforts of coaches in Bay County. The local community is invited to participate in voting for the 2025 News Herald Coach of the Year, with public voting open until noon on June 18. Coaches nominated for their remarkable achievements during winter and spring sports seasons include:

• Jonathan Hammond (Arnold boys soccer): Led the team to a second consecutive state title with an impressive 19-1-4 record.
• Chris Jones (Arnold baseball): Achieved a stellar 27-8 record, winning the Class 4A-District 2 title and reaching the Final Four.
• Jeff Patton (Bozeman baseball): Finished his season with a 26-8 record and secured the eighth district championship.
• DaShoan Olds (Rutherford girls‘ tennis): Coached the Bay County’s first tennis state champions.
• Butch Bernard (North Bay Haven softball): Led his team to a splendid 25-4 record and a state championship game appearance.
• Trenton Edwards (North Bay Haven boys‘ weightlifting): Won the Bay County traditional title alongside the Class 1A District championships.
• Bay Majidi (Mosley track and field): His girls‘ team clinched the county championship with a remarkable score of 191.
• John Bland (Bay track and field): The boys‘ team accumulated 220 points to secure the Bay County championship.
• Mike Matisons (North Bay Haven boys tennis): Won district and regional titles, progressing to the state tournament.
• Logan Graham (North Bay Haven girls soccer): Finished the season with a 13-5-2 record, winning back-to-back district titles.
• Michael Memmen (Bay boys basketball): Ended with a 16-12 record, winning the Class 4A District 1 championship.
• Tony Davis (Rutherford girls basketball): Guided his team to an impressive 22-4 record and a fourth consecutive 20-win season.
• Katie Brown (North Bay Haven competitive cheer): Took home the Class 1A small varsity championship.
• Gregory Bailie (Bay girls weightlifting): Guided his team with five lifters reaching the podium at the district meet.
• Zane Turnipseed (North Bay Haven wrestling): Had four wrestlers placing at the state meet.
• Mark Deaton (Bay wrestling): His team won the Class 1A District 1 championship.
• Maggie Brannon, Mike Campbell (Mosley girls wrestling): Achieved multiple top-five finishes in weight classes.
• Angi Ansley (Mosley beach volleyball): Concluded the season with an 8-3 record in their inaugural season.

A Celebration of Young Athletes

Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping young talents, but let’s not forget about recognizing these budding athletes. Traditionally, awards like pizza parties and participation trophies have been given at the end of seasons; however, more unique award concepts can foster a greater sense of pride and accomplishment. Interesting ideas from JerseyWatch include creative acknowledgments such as the “First to Arrive/Last to Leave” for dedication or “Cheerleader” for the loudest supporter on the team.

For football enthusiasts, awards such as “Sticky Fingers” for the most reliable catcher and “Best Playmaker” for those who create successful plays add a layer of fun and recognition tailored to the sport. Additionally, recognizing off-field contributions—like „Snack Attack“ for the best post-match snacks—can make end-of-season ceremonies memorable and engaging for everyone involved.

As we continue to support our athletes and coaches, let’s embrace the opportunity to honor their hard work and dedication. Whether through voting for the Coach of the Year or bringing fresh recognition ideas to youth sports, there’s something to be said for celebrating the incredible community spirit that sports foster. So, rally behind those teams, coaches, and young athletes and gear up for a season filled with excitement and achievement!