Two local coaches in vastly different parts of their careers were honored Wednesday night in Du Quoin at the Southern Illinois Coaches Association (SICA) banquet.
Sparta coach Mark North was recognized for the 19th time by the association of his peers as being the coach of the year. This time it was for leading his boys cross country team to a sixth place finish at state.
“It all comes down to kids doing what you ask them to do,” said North. “Cross country is a tough sport. You have to have kids willing to sacrifice and willing to be the best  they can be. This award means a lot. It means that the other coaches respect what you are doing, but I give all the credit of my success to all of the great kids I have had in my programs.”
North, who is in his final year at Sparta before retiring from teaching has won coach of the year awards in boys and girls cross country and boys and girls track.
Chester coach Bryan Lee took part in his first SICA banquet this year and was recognized as the Class 1A football coach of the year.
Under Lee, the Yellow Jackets finished 8-2 this past season and were 8-1 during their first trip through the Black Diamond Conference.
During each of his first three years at Chester High School, Lee has led the Jackets to the playoffs.
“It is always nice to be recognized by your peers,” said Lee. “Being there and sitting close to Al Martin and some of the other top coaches in the area was a real neat experience for me. I don’t get real caught up in awards,  now the staff and myself are looking forward to next year. The kids are doing a good job in the weight room under coach Jim Howie, and we are excited about our chances next season.”