Five High School Coaches Earn AFCA Regional Power Of Influence Award
November 26, 2024
Five of the best high school coaches in the nation highlight today’s announcement of the 2024 AFCA Regional Power of Influence Award winners. This award is given jointly by the American Football Coaches Association® and the American Football Coaches Foundation®. These winners will be honored during the 2025 AFCA Convention, which will be held on January 12-14, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This is the sixth year that the AFCA has recognized regional winners for the Power of Influence Award. The award was created as a way for the AFCA® and AFCF® to honor deserving high school football coaches. Coaches who receive this award are recognized for their impact on their team, as well as the legacy they leave with the school and surrounding community. This award is not based on wins and losses; however, it should be noted that coaches of powerful influence have longevity and success. The winners are selected by members of the AFCF Board of Directors.
2024 AFCA/AFCF Regional Power of Influence Award winners are: Region 1: Dave Hearn, Delmar (Del.) High School; Region 2: Roosevelt Nelson, Crestwood (S.C.) High School; Region 3: Tim Goodwin, Marion Local (Ohio) High School; Region 4: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon (Colo.) High School; and Region 5: Steve Pyne, Central Catholic (Ore.) High School.
Hearn has dedicated 34 years to Delmar High School, beginning his career in 1991 as head football and baseball coach. Over the course of his tenure, he has earned the distinction of Delaware State Coach of the Year three times—1997, 2002, and 2017—and has received numerous other prestigious awards in recognition of his coaching excellence. Throughout his career, Coach Hearn has faced many challenges, but his leadership has been a constant source of strength for his teams. One of the most poignant examples of his resilience came in 2023, when two Delmar football players were involved in a tragic car accident. Tragically, one player lost his life, and the other was hospitalized. Just five days later, Coach Hearn guided his team—grieving and emotionally shaken—to an away victory, demonstrating his remarkable ability to lead his players through adversity. Coach Hearn’s influence extends far beyond the football field. He uses sports as a platform to foster both athletic and academic growth in his players, teaching lessons of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. Known for his strong community involvement, Coach Hearn does not just attend sporting events but actively participates in all aspects of school life, from theatre performances to local parades. He also organizes initiatives that promote leadership and teamwork among the youth, further strengthening the bond between Delmar High School and the broader community. With a career record of 252-112 as a head coach, Coach Hearn continues to excel. This season, his team went 9-2, with a perfect 5-0 record in district play, further cementing his legacy as one of Delaware’s most respected and impactful coaches.
A South Carolina native, Coach Nelson stayed in his home state for college, graduating from Clemson University in 2005. He began his coaching career immediately, with stops at both the high school and middle school levels before becoming the head coach at Crestwood High School in 2014. Over his 11 years as head coach, Nelson has guided sixty players to college football scholarships, including one NFL player and two CFL players. In 2023, he was named 3A Lower State Coach of the Year and Region 6 3A Coach of the Year, among numerous other accolades throughout his coaching career. Coach Nelson has been an active member of the South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) since 2006, where he continues to contribute today. SCFCA Executive Director Jimmy Noonan has praised Nelson for his exceptional leadership, work ethic, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the school and community. Under Nelson’s guidance, the Crestwood football program has become known for its emphasis on community service and mentorship, particularly in their town of Sumter. The 2023 season was a testament to Nelson’s success and leadership at Crestwood. The team finished with an impressive 11-2 record, won the conference championship, and saw eight players sign to play college football. On and off the field, Coach Nelson uses his faith in God and the support of his family to inspire students in the classroom and on the gridiron, motivating them to reach their academic and athletic goals.
Tim Goodwin has been the head football coach at Marion Local High School in Ohio since 1999. He began his career as a coach and math teacher, and in 2011, he added the role of High School Principal. A native of Ohio, Goodwin has established a legendary coaching legacy in the state, with 14 state championships (a record in Ohio), three state runner-up finishes, and three state semifinal appearances. Over his career, he has compiled an impressive 323-48 record and is currently on a 62-game win streak. In 2024, Marion Local is 14-0 and in the state semifinals against Columbus Grove (Ohio) High School on Friday, Nov. 29. Goodwin holds his players to lofty standards, placing a strong emphasis on building a family-oriented environment. This commitment to fostering relationships and leadership within his team is reflected in both his players’ respect for him and his remarkable accomplishments. In 2011, Goodwin also began serving as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle Leader, using his position to help student-athletes grow spiritually. Through FCA, he has led numerous service projects, instilling a sense of community and service among his athletes. Goodwin’s leadership challenges both his staff and students to excel in all areas of life, setting the tone for the entire school. He believes that a community reflects the example set by its leaders, which is why he is intentional about modeling behavior that lifts others up. This philosophy has earned him the deep respect of his staff, athletes, and the broader community, who believe in his powerful influence and ability to inspire everyone he encounters.
Coach O’Dwyer has been at Limon High School in Colorado for 40 years, serving as the head coach for the past 23 years. During his tenure, he has compiled an outstanding record of 229-39. Under his leadership, Limon has won eight state championships and been the state runner-up twice. Additionally, O’Dwyer has led his teams to the state playoffs every single year he has been head coach. Coach O’Dwyer became a member of the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) in 1985 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2004, he was named All-Colorado Football Coach of the Year, among many other accolades throughout his illustrious career. Known for his ability to make a lasting impact on his players, Coach O’Dwyer teaches life lessons that extend beyond the football field, guiding his athletes to succeed not only in the classroom but in all areas of life. His dedication to his family, friends, community, and business ventures is well recognized. A respected member of the Limon community, Coach O’Dwyer also serves on the local bank’s board, runs his own successful insurance company, and has been a member and past president of the Rotary Club for 33 years. His unwavering commitment to his players and the Limon community has fostered a deep sense of loyalty and respect, reflected in the success of his teams and the numerous accolades he has earned over the years.
Steve Pyne was the head coach at Central Catholic High School in Oregon for 21 years through the 2023 season, amassing an impressive record of 195-54. He is currently the head coach at Union (Wash.) High School. With 36 years of high school football coaching experience, 26 of which have been as a head coach, he holds a career record of 218-78. In his time at Central Catholic, Pyne led the team to five 6A State Championships and one runner-up finish. A dedicated member of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) for 36 years, Pyne has been named 6A Football Coach of the Year five times. He has also been honored as the Oregonian 6A Football Coach of the Year three times, among numerous other accolades. His success on the field is also reflected in the number of players he has helped send to the NFL, a testament to his skill and dedication as a coach. At the heart of Coach Pyne’s philosophy is the program’s mission statement: “To educate, inform, and create young adults of compassion and empathy who will contribute positively to their families, schools, communities, and beyond. We will empower them to be their very best – personally, professionally, and relationally.” This mission drives Coach Pyne’s approach to coaching, as he believes in fostering relationships with his players that extend beyond football. He views himself as the product of those around him, acknowledging that the community, administrators, teachers, parents, coaches, and players all contribute to the power of influence he is able to wield.
The AFCA will announce the 2024 National Power of Influence Award winner during the 2025 AFCA Convention on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The Regional winners are finalists for the national Power of Influence Award.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Five of the best high school coaches in the nation highlight today’s announcement of the 2024 AFCA Regional Power of Influence Award winners. This award is given jointly by the American Football Coaches Association® and the American Football Coaches Foundation®. These winners will be honored during the 2025 AFCA Convention, which will be held on January 12-14, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This is the sixth year that the AFCA has recognized regional winners for the Power of Influence Award. The award was created as a way for the AFCA® and AFCF® to honor deserving high school football coaches. Coaches who receive this award are recognized for their impact on their team, as well as the legacy they leave with the school and surrounding community. This award is not based on wins and losses; however, it should be noted that coaches of powerful influence have longevity and success. The winners are selected by members of the AFCF Board of Directors.
2024 AFCA/AFCF Regional Power of Influence Award winners are: Region 1: Dave Hearn, Delmar (Del.) High School; Region 2: Roosevelt Nelson, Crestwood (S.C.) High School; Region 3: Tim Goodwin, Marion Local (Ohio) High School; Region 4: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon (Colo.) High School; and Region 5: Steve Pyne, Central Catholic (Ore.) High School.
Hearn has dedicated 34 years to Delmar High School, beginning his career in 1991 as head football and baseball coach. Over the course of his tenure, he has earned the distinction of Delaware State Coach of the Year three times—1997, 2002, and 2017—and has received numerous other prestigious awards in recognition of his coaching excellence. Throughout his career, Coach Hearn has faced many challenges, but his leadership has been a constant source of strength for his teams. One of the most poignant examples of his resilience came in 2023, when two Delmar football players were involved in a tragic car accident. Tragically, one player lost his life, and the other was hospitalized. Just five days later, Coach Hearn guided his team—grieving and emotionally shaken—to an away victory, demonstrating his remarkable ability to lead his players through adversity. Coach Hearn’s influence extends far beyond the football field. He uses sports as a platform to foster both athletic and academic growth in his players, teaching lessons of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. Known for his strong community involvement, Coach Hearn does not just attend sporting events but actively participates in all aspects of school life, from theatre performances to local parades. He also organizes initiatives that promote leadership and teamwork among the youth, further strengthening the bond between Delmar High School and the broader community. With a career record of 252-112 as a head coach, Coach Hearn continues to excel. This season, his team went 9-2, with a perfect 5-0 record in district play, further cementing his legacy as one of Delaware’s most respected and impactful coaches.
A South Carolina native, Coach Nelson stayed in his home state for college, graduating from Clemson University in 2005. He began his coaching career immediately, with stops at both the high school and middle school levels before becoming the head coach at Crestwood High School in 2014. Over his 11 years as head coach, Nelson has guided sixty players to college football scholarships, including one NFL player and two CFL players. In 2023, he was named 3A Lower State Coach of the Year and Region 6 3A Coach of the Year, among numerous other accolades throughout his coaching career. Coach Nelson has been an active member of the South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) since 2006, where he continues to contribute today. SCFCA Executive Director Jimmy Noonan has praised Nelson for his exceptional leadership, work ethic, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the school and community. Under Nelson’s guidance, the Crestwood football program has become known for its emphasis on community service and mentorship, particularly in their town of Sumter. The 2023 season was a testament to Nelson’s success and leadership at Crestwood. The team finished with an impressive 11-2 record, won the conference championship, and saw eight players sign to play college football. On and off the field, Coach Nelson uses his faith in God and the support of his family to inspire students in the classroom and on the gridiron, motivating them to reach their academic and athletic goals.
Tim Goodwin has been the head football coach at Marion Local High School in Ohio since 1999. He began his career as a coach and math teacher, and in 2011, he added the role of High School Principal. A native of Ohio, Goodwin has established a legendary coaching legacy in the state, with 14 state championships (a record in Ohio), three state runner-up finishes, and three state semifinal appearances. Over his career, he has compiled an impressive 323-48 record and is currently on a 62-game win streak. In 2024, Marion Local is 14-0 and in the state semifinals against Columbus Grove (Ohio) High School on Friday, Nov. 29. Goodwin holds his players to lofty standards, placing a strong emphasis on building a family-oriented environment. This commitment to fostering relationships and leadership within his team is reflected in both his players’ respect for him and his remarkable accomplishments. In 2011, Goodwin also began serving as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle Leader, using his position to help student-athletes grow spiritually. Through FCA, he has led numerous service projects, instilling a sense of community and service among his athletes. Goodwin’s leadership challenges both his staff and students to excel in all areas of life, setting the tone for the entire school. He believes that a community reflects the example set by its leaders, which is why he is intentional about modeling behavior that lifts others up. This philosophy has earned him the deep respect of his staff, athletes, and the broader community, who believe in his powerful influence and ability to inspire everyone he encounters.
Coach O’Dwyer has been at Limon High School in Colorado for 40 years, serving as the head coach for the past 23 years. During his tenure, he has compiled an outstanding record of 229-39. Under his leadership, Limon has won eight state championships and been the state runner-up twice. Additionally, O’Dwyer has led his teams to the state playoffs every single year he has been head coach. Coach O’Dwyer became a member of the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) in 1985 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2004, he was named All-Colorado Football Coach of the Year, among many other accolades throughout his illustrious career. Known for his ability to make a lasting impact on his players, Coach O’Dwyer teaches life lessons that extend beyond the football field, guiding his athletes to succeed not only in the classroom but in all areas of life. His dedication to his family, friends, community, and business ventures is well recognized. A respected member of the Limon community, Coach O’Dwyer also serves on the local bank’s board, runs his own successful insurance company, and has been a member and past president of the Rotary Club for 33 years. His unwavering commitment to his players and the Limon community has fostered a deep sense of loyalty and respect, reflected in the success of his teams and the numerous accolades he has earned over the years.
Steve Pyne was the head coach at Central Catholic High School in Oregon for 21 years through the 2023 season, amassing an impressive record of 195-54. He is currently the head coach at Union (Wash.) High School. With 36 years of high school football coaching experience, 26 of which have been as a head coach, he holds a career record of 218-78. In his time at Central Catholic, Pyne led the team to five 6A State Championships and one runner-up finish. A dedicated member of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) for 36 years, Pyne has been named 6A Football Coach of the Year five times. He has also been honored as the Oregonian 6A Football Coach of the Year three times, among numerous other accolades. His success on the field is also reflected in the number of players he has helped send to the NFL, a testament to his skill and dedication as a coach. At the heart of Coach Pyne’s philosophy is the program’s mission statement: “To educate, inform, and create young adults of compassion and empathy who will contribute positively to their families, schools, communities, and beyond. We will empower them to be their very best – personally, professionally, and relationally.” This mission drives Coach Pyne’s approach to coaching, as he believes in fostering relationships with his players that extend beyond football. He views himself as the product of those around him, acknowledging that the community, administrators, teachers, parents, coaches, and players all contribute to the power of influence he is able to wield.
The AFCA will announce the 2024 National Power of Influence Award winner during the 2025 AFCA Convention on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The Regional winners are finalists for the national Power of Influence Award.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
