Mark Jones Receives 2026 National Citation Award SPORTS LEDGER Established 2006 The July 2026 Page 7 Read More Online at www.thesportsledger.com
Veteran sports contest official and former AHSAA Director of Officials Mark Jones was honored on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the 107th Summer Meeting of the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) as the NFHS Officials’ National Citation recipient. Jones served as AHSAA Director of Officials from 2016-2020. He is currently serving as the Mayor of the city of Jacksonville in Calhoun County. Jones is the fourth AHSAA contest official to receive the NFHS Officials’ National Citation. The other three include: Dr. Joe Manjone, Soccer Official (2018); Jeff Hilyer, Football Official (2014); and Houston Young, Track and Field Official (2009). Greg Brewer, who spent four decades serving as AHSAA Director of Officials, received the NFHS Section 3 Citation Award in 2006. Brewer is deceased. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations,” said Jones, just moments after receiving his award Sunday at Salt Lake City’s Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center. “Officiating has been a major part of my life. I began my journey as a student at Jacksonville State University, continued serving as Director of Officials for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, and remain deeply involved today as Executive Director of the Alabama Sports Officials Foundation. “We are very proud of his accomplishments,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “The AHSAA has been a national leader in its training and support of high school officials, and a big reason for that success is because of Mark Jones’ contributions and those who have worked with him.” Jones said the honor he received belongs to all the men and women who train and work so diligently to serve the AHSAA member schools and the many education-based sports programs that are provided in Alabama for its student athletes. “Officiating has shaped my character, strengthened my leadership, and instilled in me the values of integrity, fairness, and service,” said Jones. “Quite simply, it has molded me into the person I am today." Jones, a public servant who dedicated more than three decades to officiating high school sports, began officiating in 1979. His officiating journey encompassed three sports – basketball, football, and baseball – highlighting 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 many years of experience that have shaped his understanding of sportsmanship and the rules of the game.
Ken Washington, the AHSAA’s Director of Officials, left, proudly congratulates his own mentor Mark Jones for his NFHS National Citation Award recognition Photo David Holtsford, AHSAA Jones served as AHSAA Director of Officials for five years 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 manage 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’ leadership extended beyond officiating as he served on various committees and held civic leadership positions, including serving as City Council President and currently, mayor of Jacksonville. His profound impact on the community is evidenced by his active involvement in initiatives that enhance local recreational opportunities.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Attorney General Defends Right of Auburn Baseball Players to Pray Former Jax State running back Cam Cook was selected as the Conference USA Michael L. Slive Male Athlete of the Year, marking the second consecutive season the Gamecocks have produced the award recipient. Cook led the FBS in total rushing and rushing per game in his lone season with the Gamecocks, posting 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Round Rock, Texas native was the Conference USA Player of the Year, rushing for over 100 yards in a game on 10 occasions. He was named to the FWAA, Associated Press, and Sporting News All-America teams and was a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. Last year, Jaron Pierre Jr. won the honor after helping the Jax State men's basketball team reach the CUSA Championship game and make an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall defended the right of Auburn baseball players to pray in a letter to the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which had threatened to sue Auburn University if it does not prohibit a men’s baseball chaplain from leading prayers with players or players from wearing Christian symbols or messages at practice. “Freedom From Religion’s latest crusade is a swing and a miss. Coaches and athletes don’t lose their religious rights just because they attend a public school,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The Supreme Court has been clear that the days of censoring employees and students to remove religion from public view are over. Auburn—and all Alabama schools—should know that the Attorney General’s Office will stand with them in protecting the religious liberties of their employees and students. Do not surrender," added Marshall. It has been reported
that Mason Maners serves as the team’s chaplain, offering Bible studies and praying with the team. According to news outlets, Maners broke his neck playing high school football but made an inspirational recovery and himself played baseball at Auburn. Without evidence, the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s demand letter accused the team of forcing players to pray, complaining that anyone who does not participate is “marginalized.” The Attorney General’s letter responded: “Alabama is committed to preserving the liberties of all its citizens. Because of its fidelity to the Constitution, the State will not let ‘concerns about phantom constitutional violations justify actual violations of an individual’s First Amendment rights.’ For you to say that members of the baseball team should ‘pray privately … on their own time’ is offensive. For the government to say so would be both unconstitutional and un- American.”
Photo Courtesy of UA Athletics
University of Alabama guard Labaron Philon shoots a layup against North Carolina at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Philon was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. He became the 20th player in program history to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft and the seventh player under Crimson Tide Head Coach Nate Oats to be selected in the draft. Philon is also the fifth player under coach Oats to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft joining Brandon Miller (No. 2, Charlotte Hornets), Noah Clowney (No. 21, Brooklyn Nets), Joshua Primo (No. 12, San Antonio Spurs) and Kira Lewis Jr. (No. 13, New Orleans Pelicans).
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