(L- R) Richland One athletics director, Dr. Carlos Smith with Hopkins Middle School coach Reggie McLain, Lower Richland High School coach Deborah Stroman, Sanders Middle School coach Linda Segars, and Hopkins Middle School coach George Pope. The ladies took top honors for the 2007- 2008 Richland One Coach of the Year titles. Winners were announced at the annual Richland One Coaches Convocation on August 15.

Linda Segars, head girls' basketball and volleyball coach at W. G. Sanders Middle School, was named Richland One's 2007- 2008 Middle School Coach of the Year. Inspired by Segars' leadership, her teams took command on the court and in the classroom. Not only was her basketball team the regular season champsion with an undefeated season, the majority of her players (basketball and volleyball) made the school honor roll last year.

Richland One High School Coach of the Year honors went to legendary Lower Richland High School girls' head basketball coach Deborah Stroman. Her teams have been ranked nationally, won five state championships, and had two undefeated seasons. Stroman, who has been described as a great motivator, stresses the importance of community service to her players.

A.C. Flora High School athletics director Mike Sisk accepts H.B. Rhame award for best overall spor ts program. The district also extends its congratulations to the two coaches who were finalists for these honors. Hopkins Middle School coach George Pope took his 2007 football team to two consecutive district championships including an undefeated 7- 0 season in 2007. Reggie McLain guid- ed his Keenan High School girls' basketball team to the 2007- 2008 AA State Championship (for the first time in school history) and won three regional championships.

The winner of the H.B. Rhame Award also was announced at the convocation. That honor, given annually to the high school with the best overall sports program, went to A.C. Flora High School athletic director Mike Sisk.

"Not only are all of these employees outstanding coaches," said Richland One Athletics Director Dr. Carlos Smith, "they are exceptional teachers and motivators, as well."

Former Dreher grad and NBA superstar Alex English is the guest speaker. Former NBA superstar and Dreher High School graduate Alex English was the convocation's guest speaker.