NCHSAA honors eight with 2026 Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards

The N.C. High School Athletic Association has recognized eight coaches and administrators from across the state with one of its top service honors.

The 2026 Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards were presented during the NCHSAA’s eight regional meetings held across North Carolina. One recipient was selected from each region.

Named for longtime NCHSAA Executive Director Charlie Adams, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, excellence and a longstanding commitment to high school athletics in North Carolina.

This year’s recipients include athletic directors and district administrators whose careers collectively span decades of work with student-athletes, coaches and schools.

Region 1: Wes Hughes, Martin County High School

Martin County High School athletic director Wes Hughes was selected as the Region 1 recipient.

Hughes has worked as both a coach and administrator and has served student-athletes in a variety of sports. The NCHSAA also noted his role in helping Martin County’s athletic programs navigate two school mergers.

Hughes remains the athletic director at Martin County High School, where he continues to oversee the school’s athletic program.

Region 2: Matt Davis, Pender County Schools

Pender County Schools district athletic director Matt Davis received the Region 2 award.

Davis has spent more than 20 years working in Pender County as a teacher, coach and administrator. His service has extended beyond the district through leadership work with the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association.

Davis currently serves as the county athletic director for Pender County Schools.

Region 3: Brent Walston, Wilson County Schools

Wilson County Schools district athletic director Brent Walston was honored in Region 3.

Walston has spent more than three decades working with athletic programs in eastern North Carolina. His career includes time as a decorated soccer coach as well as extensive experience in athletic administration.

Region 4: Glenn Patterson, Public Schools of Robeson County

Glenn Patterson, district athletic director for the Public Schools of Robeson County, received the Region 4 award.

Patterson has spent more than three decades working in Robeson County as a coach, counselor and administrator. In his current position, he oversees athletics for 16 schools across the district.

The Public Schools of Robeson County said Patterson was formally recognized during the Region 4 meeting on Sept. 28.

Region 5: Brad Fisher, R.J. Reynolds High School

R.J. Reynolds athletic director Brad Fisher was selected as the Region 5 recipient.

The NCHSAA cited Fisher's work building the athletic program at Reynolds, as well as his service to NCHSAA championship events and the larger athletic administration community.

Region 6: Chad Duncan, Gaston County Schools

Gaston County Schools district athletic director Chad Duncan received the Region 6 award.

Duncan has worked with North Carolina student-athletes as a coach and administrator since 1999 and has held leadership roles with both the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association and the NCHSAA Board of Directors.

Duncan became Gaston County Schools’ director of athletics in 2015 after previously serving as athletic director and a coach at Ashbrook. He has also served as NCADA president and was inducted into the NCADA Hall of Fame in 2025.

Region 7: Dr. Chris Blanton, Watauga County Schools

Watauga County Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Blanton was selected as the Region 7 honoree.

Blanton served on the NCHSAA Board of Directors from 2018 through 2026 and held several of the association's top leadership positions, including vice president, president and past president.

He served as NCHSAA president during the 2023-24 school year before moving into the past president position.

Region 8: Sonita Warren-Dixon, Asheville High School

Asheville High School athletic director Sonita Warren-Dixon received the Region 8 award.

Warren-Dixon has spent more than 30 years working with Asheville student-athletes and is also a three-time NCHSAA state championship basketball coach.

She led Asheville to three consecutive girls basketball state championships from 2003-05 and later became a trailblazer in athletic administration. The NCHSAA has previously recognized Warren-Dixon as the first African American woman to serve as an athletic director in western North Carolina.

Warren-Dixon remains Asheville High’s athletic director.

The Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards were among several honors presented during the NCHSAA regional meetings. The association also recognized Special Person Award recipients, schools that went ejection-free during the 2025-26 school year and winners of the Wells Fargo Conference Cups.