Dave Harris Athletic Director Award of Excellence
The Dave Harris Athletic Director Award of Excellence is given in memory of Dave Harris, the former system Athletic Director for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The Dave Harris Fund is managed by the NCHSAA Foundation, Inc.
This award seeks to recognize and honor an Athletic Director who has positively impacted his or her athletic administrators within their respective county or school and on a statewide level as a mentor and peer collaborator; an impeccable reputation amongst his or her peers for championing good behavior and exemplifying integrity and fairness; demonstrated leadership, resourcefulness and promotion of professional development amongst athletic personnel within the schools they serve.
Brian Carver has served as the Athletic Director at Enka High School for more than two decades, building a career defined by leadership, consistency, and a lasting impact on student-athletes, coaches, and the broader athletic community across North Carolina. With 23 years in athletic administration and 36 years in coaching, Carver has been a steady and respected voice at both the local and state levels, including service on the NCHSAA Board of Directors and in leadership roles with the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.
His peers have consistently trusted his leadership, electing him to conference president roles and selecting him to represent his colleagues within the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association. His contributions have also been recognized through honors such as the NCHSAA Toby Webb Most Outstanding Coach Award and the NCADA Athletic Director of Excellence Award.
What separates Carver is his students-first approach, building programs centered on accountability, sportsmanship, and long-term development while mentoring coaches and creating an environment where student-athletes can succeed both on and off the field. His influence extends beyond campus through community initiatives such as Operation Christmas Child and the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout, which have raised more than $210,000 and reflect his commitment to using athletics as a platform to serve others.
Carver’s career reflects sustained excellence, leadership, and service, and he continues to set the standard for positively impacting high school athletics.
Joe Sharrow has established himself as one of the most impactful and forward-thinking athletic administrators in North Carolina, currently serving as the Athletic Director at Felton Grove High School with 14 years of experience across multiple school systems. Throughout his career, Sharrow has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead in complex environments—from becoming the youngest athletic director in the NCHSAA to overseeing the successful consolidation of two high schools into Vance County High School, revitalizing Jordan High School into a Wells Fargo Cup–winning program, and now building Felton Grove’s athletic program from the ground up while setting a new standard for excellence.
His leadership is rooted in a strong student-centered philosophy that prioritizes character development, equity, and opportunity. Sharrow consistently works to create environments where student-athletes feel valued and supported while being challenged to grow both on and off the field.
Beyond his work at the school level, Sharrow has made a significant impact at the state and national levels.
He serves as a faculty member for the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association and has earned the Certified Master Athletic Administrator designation, contributing to professional development and leadership within the profession.
His influence also extends into the community through service initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising efforts that use athletics as a platform to give back and strengthen local connections. Through his leadership, innovation, and commitment to others, Sharrow has earned the respect of peers, coaches, and administrators while helping shape the future of high school athletics in North Carolina.
Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award
The Toby Webb Outstanding Coach Award is made possible through the generosity of numerous private donors and strives to recognize up to two coaches annually in memory of Toby Webb. This award seeks to recognize and honor coaches who have impacted the lives of student-athletes and students in general by encouraging them to succeed, helping to develop self-confidence, ambition, a sound work ethic, and other skills necessary for success in the students’ later lives; a demonstrated record of encouraging student-athletes to be well-rounded; and a reputation amongst their respective peers and the athletic community for fair play, good sportsmanship, and the development of these attributes in their respective student-athletes.
Josh Brooks has built a remarkable career at Franklin High School, defined by sustained excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. In 24 years as head football coach, Brooks has established one of the most consistent and respected programs in the state, surpassing 150 career wins while leading the Panthers to 15 state playoff appearances, multiple conference championships, and a trip to the 2A West Regional Final.
His impact extends far beyond wins and losses. Brooks has played a significant leadership role across North Carolina as President of the North Carolina Coaches Association, helping guide opportunities and direction for coaches and student-athletes statewide.
Known for his servant leadership, Brooks consistently prioritizes the growth and well-being of his players, mentoring them through challenges while instilling confidence, discipline, and life lessons that extend beyond the game. The respect he earns from his athletes is evident, as many view him not only as a coach but as a mentor and role model who leads with integrity, compassion, and consistency.
Brooks has also demonstrated a strong commitment to his community through service initiatives, including organizing relief efforts following Hurricane Helene and leading his team in efforts to support those in need. Whether navigating adversity, improving facilities, or advocating for his players and fellow coaches, Brooks consistently leads with purpose and impact.
His career reflects the very best of high school athletics, and he continues to leave a lasting legacy on his school, his community, and the state of North Carolina.
Chase Holleman has built a distinguished career at Havelock High School defined by sustained excellence, leadership, and a commitment to growing the sport of wrestling at both the school and statewide levels. With 18 years of coaching experience, including leading both the men’s and women’s programs, Holleman has developed one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state. His teams have earned more than 350 dual team victories along with multiple conference and regional championships, a women’s state runner-up finish, and the development of numerous individual state champions.
Beyond competitive success, Holleman has played a significant role in advancing wrestling across North Carolina. He serves as Vice President of the North Carolina Wrestling Coaches Association and as the North Carolina USA Wrestling Women’s Director and Head Coach of the Women’s National Team, helping expand opportunities and create pathways for female athletes to compete at the highest levels.
Holleman’s greatest impact is the culture he builds within his program. His athletes are developed not only as competitors but as confident, disciplined individuals who believe in their ability to succeed. Former wrestlers frequently credit him for instilling confidence, maintaining high expectations, and creating an environment where growth and accountability are the standard.
Known for being approachable, adaptable, and deeply invested in his athletes, Holleman fosters a family-like atmosphere where individuals feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential. Through leadership, mentorship, youth program development, and community involvement, he continues to make a lasting impact on his school, his athletes, and the future of wrestling in North Carolina.
The Clary Medal is made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation and annually recognizes an outstanding male and female varsity student-athlete participating in varsity competition in at least two NCHSAA-sanctioned teams. The award is based on each individual’s excellence in athletic participation, extra-curricular activities, and community service, exhibiting a desire to excel in all areas of life – athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty, and integrity. The Wilburn Clary Medal was first awarded in 2006 and is dedicated to Wilburn Clary. Clary’s athletic career involved coaching, officiating, and administration. He coached several sports at the Methodist Children’s Home for almost 30 years, was an outstanding high school and collegiate official, and served as the executive secretary of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association from 1949 until 1977 when the organization merged with the NCHSAA.