Newton County softball coach Justin Chaney has been named a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s coach of the year award, the organization announced in a press release.

Eight finalists from across the country will be recognized during the coaches of the year banquet June 26 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the release stated. Chaney has been head softball coach at Newton County for 18 years and has won 10 state championships in slow-pitch and seven state titles in fast-pitch. The school also won two fast-pitch titles under Mack Fanning, when Chaney was an assistant coach.

“I have been blessed,” Chaney said.

The NHSACA has been awarding coach of the year awards since 1978.