Carolina Panthers announce Coach of the Week and Community Captain Grants

Anyone can nominate student athletes and coaches for grants this year, announces the Carolina Panthers. Every year since 1997, the Carolina Panthers have honored high school football coaches through the Coach of the Week program. Residents in North and South Carolina are encouraged to nominate varsity coaches in their area. The Panthers will select a coach for each week of the high school football season. Each winning coach will receive a $1,000 donation from the Panthers and the NFL for the school’s athletic program. All head coaches in the Carolinas are eligible regardless of their school’s size, league, or division. Coaches are evaluated on such factors as the coach’s impact on his team, school, and community. Winners will be honored during a Panthers home game during the upcoming season. At that time, the Coach of the Year will be announced, and the winning coach will receive an additional $2,000 for his school’s athletic department. The Carolina Panthers thank everyone for helping them recognize our regions high school football coaches for the significant impacts they make on their teams, schools and communities. The nomination form can be found online at http://www.panthers.com/community/prep-football/coach-week.html. In addition, the Carolina Panthers announce the Community Captain Award. The Carolina Panthers believe that there is more to being a great leader than simply having great talent. The Carolina Panthers Community Captain program recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes in North and South Carolina who have demonstrated strong leadership skills both on and off the field. The program encourages these outstanding young men and women to continue to be leaders and role models in their communities. During the 2016 season, the Panthers will honor ten deserving student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom, as well as play an active role in their respective communities. In order to be considered for the Carolina Panthers Community Captain award, student-athletes must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a member of a varsity sport team and have a record of community service. Community Captains (CC) will be honored during a regular season game. Each CC will receive complimentary tickets and game ball. The high school athletic department will receive the $500 grant. Nomination forms are available online at http://www.panthers.com/community/prep-football/community-captain.html. The nomination deadline for both grant programs is Sept. 23, 2016.