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PAGE 4B February 2026
Mark Jones to be honored by NFHS at Summer Meeting Former AHSAA Director of Officials Mark Jones is among eight state association Citation Recipients being honored by the NFHS. Thirteen leaders in high school activity programs across the country were also selected to receive NFHS Citations. He will be honored at the 2026 NFHS Summer Meeting at Salt Lake City in June. An award designed to honor individuals who have made contributions to the NFHS, state high school associations, athletic director and coaching professions, the officiating avocation and fine arts/performing arts programs, the NFHS Citation is one of the most highly regarded achievements in high school athletics and performing arts. Citations for state high school associations, coaching, officiating and performing arts will be presented June 28 at the annual NFHS Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jones was selected as the Citation Award recipient from the NFHS Officials Association. Beginning in 1979, Jones, a public servant who currently serves as Mayor of the City of Jacksonville, dedicated more than three decades to officiating high school sports. His officiating journey encompassed three sports – basketball, football and baseball – showcasing his versatility and commitment to promoting fair play at the high school level. Jones officiated high school baseball until 1990, high school football until 2007 and high school basketball until 2014, amassing years of experience that have shaped his understanding of sportsmanship and the rules of the game. Jones served as director of officials for the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) from 2016 to 2020, where he was responsible for the overall administration of officials across all sports. His role included the registration, training, scheduling and payment of officials, ensuring that the highest standards of officiating were maintained throughout the state. He also oversaw championship events, a testament to his ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and skill. In addition, Jones was director of recreational sports at Jacksonville State University for 32 years. He not only managed recreational sports programs but also played a significant role in educating the next generation of officials by teaching sports officiating classes for 28 years. This experience deepened his commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting inclusivity in sports. Jones’ dedication extended beyond officiating as he served on various committees and held leadership positions, including serving as City Council President and Mayor of Jacksonville. His profound impact on the community is evidenced by his active involvement in initiatives that enhance local recreational opportunities. The other 2026 Citation recipients representing the NFHS professional organizations are the late Dr. Thomas “Buster” Mabrey, NFHS Coaches Association, former executive director, New Mexico High School Coaches Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dr. Michael Golemo, NFHS Music Association, director of bands, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; Neomia Hagans Flores, NFHS Speech/Debate/Theatre Association (speech and debate), speech and debate coach, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Lexington, Kentucky; and Tim Schlegel, NFHS Speech/Debate/Theatre Association (theatre), theatre director, Sterling (Illinois) High School. Eight of the 13 award recipients represent NFHS- member state high school associations, and the other five represent NFHS professional organizations for officials, coaches, music leaders and speech/debate/theatre directors. The eight 2026 state association Citation recipients are Mike Burnham, Section 1, executive assistant, Maine Principals’ Association (MPA); Pat Gebhart, Section 2, chief operating officer, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA); Richard McWhirter, Section 3, assistant executive director, Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA); Andy Frushour, Section 4, senior assistant director, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA); Brenda Schell, Section 5, retired technology director, North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA); Sally Marquez, Section 6, retired executive director, New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA); Ellen Townsend, Section 7, coordinator of officials, Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA); and the late Kyle Stanfield, Section 8, former chief operating officer, Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA).
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Crossville's Austin Edmondson (#24) reaches for the basketball, as Jay Patterson (#24) tries to secure the ball for the Boaz Pirates during the opening game of the 2026 Class 5A Area 13 tournament. The visiting Lions fell to Boaz 61-42. The Pirates advanced to the Northwest Regional Tournament, where they will face Guntersville at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 19.
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger The 2026 Geraldine Senior Cheerleaders were recognized during a recent basketball game. They include: Lettie Duke, Trinity Foster, and Michelle Howard. Be sure to check out the inside of The Sports Ledger for more coverage of additional 2026 senior student athletes.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Fyffe Senior Dawson McCollum (#0) attempts a basket during the Red Devils' 2026 regular season finale against Woodville. Fyffe won the game 74-43.
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Plainview's Jay Williams (#23) tries to maintain possession of the basketball during the Class 4A Area 16 Championship game against DAR. The Bears defeated the Patriots 62-42. Plainview also picked up an 82-71 sub-regional victory over Cleburne County to advance to the Northeast Regional Tournament at JSU. The Bears will play Madison Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 18.
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