Petty, Gunner named Coaches of the Year

Gunner gave thanks to his two assistant coaches, Kate Wade and Josh Trexler, who he said helped out along the way.

Two Bob Jones coaches have been named by the National Federation of State High School Associations 2010 Coach of the Year for the southern region.

Bob Jones swim coach Mike Gunner and basketball coach Danny Petty were both recognized.

“It’s one of those nice things to get,” Gunner said. “I’m kind of lucky to have all the athletes that I have. The assistant coaches I have couldn’t be any better—Kate Wade and Josh Trexler. I really couldn’t do it without them.

Gunner previously received the award in 2006 and 2008.

In his most recent accomplishment, Gunner coached the boys’ swim team to the Class 6A state tile victory for the seventh year in a row.

Gunner has coached the team for more than eight years. He also serves as assistant principal at Rainbow Elementary.

Petty has been coaching Bob Jones' boys' basketball for the past five years.

Petty, a 30-year coaching veteran has been in the game at Bob Jones for the past five years.

Petty is the second coach in Alabama High School history to win three state championships at three different schools.

The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports (by participation numbers), and in one “other” category that is not included in these 20 categories. Winners of NFHS awards must be active coaches during the year in which they receive their award. This year’s awards recognize coaches for the 2009-10 school year.