Coach Steven Davis of James B. Dudley HS Honored as Panthers HS Coach Of The Week - December 6, 2007

By Tyler Wessel

The Carolina Panthers have named Coach Stephen Davis of James B. Dudley High School (Greensboro, NC) as a 2007 Coach of the Week recipient. The program recognizes outstanding high school coaches that have a positive influence in the communities and schools which they serve. In addition to receiving this award, a $1,000 donation from the Panthers and the National Football League will be made to the school's athletic department.

In 2004, his first year as head coach at Dudley, Coach Davis received the State 3A Exemplary Award from the NCHSAA for the most disciplined team in the state. He points out that the discipline started early on in his time at Dudley. "We held one of those overnight camps for the players," says Davis. "After I told them several times to go to sleep, I took them out to the field and made them do 500 up-downs at 4:00 in the morning."

"I was going to have them call their parents to come pick them up, but some of the seniors came to me and talked me into letting them stay. That showed me they really wanted to be part of a great team and do what it takes to succeed." In that first year, Davis led those Panthers to the State 3A Finals.

The on-field success has continued during Davis's tenure at Dudley. In 2007, he has led the Dudley Panthers to a 12-3 record and a berth in the 3AA state championship game. Since taking over the program in 2004, the Panthers have averaged 11 wins each year. He was named the Greensboro News & Record Guilford County Coach of the Year after winning a school record 13 games in 2004.

In addition to the on-field influence that he has had on his team, Coach Davis has also ensured that he and his team stay involved in the community. In addition to scheduling his own speaking engagements, Davis has also joined some of his players to visit elementary schools to speak to the children. "I usually start out talking to the kids about the importance of education and listening to your parents," says Davis. "The players usually talk about the fun stuff kids have questions about ... mainly about football."

Davis's influence has also extended to the entire student-body at Dudley High. He has participated in a school counseling program in which he serves as a mentor to many non-football students. He checks the students' attendance, grades, and provides guidance for students who may need direction. He has also been instrumental in school fundraisers, from car washes to starting a donation basket for clothes or school supplies for less fortunate students.

The Carolina Panthers would like to congratulate Steven Davis and the Dudley Panthers on their great season and wish them continued success in the future.