Geeker Sports Achievement Awards

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on April 7, 2011 1:47 PM

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Eric Vaughn has always had a passion for prep sports.

He's turned that enthusiasm into tangible products -- a monthly publication, Internet podcast and now the inaugural Geeker Sports Achievement Awards. The first-ever ceremony took place Tuesday evening at the Paramount Theatre where Vaughn recognized the best and brightest basketball student-athletes in Wayne County.

"This is something that I have always wanted to do and now it's finally here," said Vaughn. "I have always enjoyed sports and working with kids so it seemed like a natural thing to put together."

Vaughn furnished awards for more than 200 local players, coaches and fans in 19 different categories. The task of weeding through hundreds of potential nominees was a lengthy one for Vaughn, who enlisted the help of his wife, as well as several coaches and administrators.

"My wife has been working on this thing non-stop for 72 hours," said Vaughn. "She has been very dedicated and together it has been a lot of fun to see all of the stuff fall into place."

Montrell Hall and Goldsboro High alum Zeara McDuffie served as emcees for the evening, which included a performance from the WABBA Dance Group.

Latina Bullock-Davis and Daniel Mitchell were honored as the female and male basketball coaches-of-the-year, respectively. Bullock-Davis led Goldsboro to the eastern regional championship game. Mitchell guided the Eagles to a sectional final for the first time since 1976.

Wayne Country Day's Catherine Ford and Josh Gregory picked up the female and male basketball players-of-the-year plaques. Ford helped the Chargers reach the final four of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Gregory and his teammates advanced to the elite eight.