North Duplin head coach Hugh Martin has been selected to coach in prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, which is held in mid-December. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Hugh Martin couldn’t say “no” to the caller.Who could blame him?
The long-time North Duplin head coach has been selected as an assistant on the North Carolina staff for the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in mid-December.
“I was called by one of the Shrine Bowl representatives, who asked if I’d be interested in doing it and it went from there,” Martin said. “I didn’t hesitate. I was kind of shocked and surprised at the same time … had no idea that it was something that was possible.
“It’s a great cause raising money for the children’s hospital and supporting it in this way. I’m glad to have the opportunity and I look forward to it.”
Dubbed “America’s All-Star” game, the annual affair features the top high school players from North and South Carolina.
Martin has been busy since the call.
Since the summer, he and the North Carolina coaching staff have reviewed Hudl film of players statewide and participated in Zoom meetings. More than 100 Shrine Bowl candidates attended a call-back camp held at Page High School during the N.C. Coaches Association meeting held in Greensboro in mid-July.
Martin evaluated the inside and outside linebackers.
But his “study” period didn’t stop there.
Once the high school season kicked off, the coaching staff remained in constant contact via Google meetings, text messages and emails. They got second looks during combines held by different schools.
“It was a lot of film watching, tracking down players, getting names of players from coaches [and] you try to cover as many as you can to make sure you don’t miss someone who is deserving to be there,” Martin said. “We had a grapevine of coaches where we asked if you’ve seen this kid, looked at him on film. We also contacted recruiters, talked to them to see who they’re looking at and if we’re looking at them, too.
“Combines really helped. You can see some of the talents the kids might not show on film and that helps, too.”
The 2023 NC and SC teams were announced Sept. 15.
Monroe HS coach Johnny Sowell will direct the North Carolina squad. In addition to Martin, his staff includes Doug Robertson (Page HS), George Privott (Northampton County HS), Brett Chappell (Canton Pisgah HS) and Bryan Craig (AC Reynolds HS).
Wayne Farmer, from Calhoun County, is the Sandlappers’ head coach.
The annual contest that benefits the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, is scheduled for Dec. 16.
“Since 2004, America’s original all-star game has been played in Spartanburg where it has continued to thrive and flourish,” said Chris Norman, athletic director of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
The Shriners hosted the inaugural Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas on Dec. 4, 1937. The game raised $2,500 for the Shriners Hospital. Since then, the Shrine Bowl has grown in attendance and recognition, and raised more than $1.3 million each year to help save children’s lives.
South Carolina staged a second-half comeback and won last year’s game, 17-13, contested at Spartanburg High School in South Carolina. The Sandlappers lead the all-time series 46-34-4.
“For a football coach, it’s outstanding [to participate],” Martin said. “You get to look at some great talent…kids who play hard, are athletic and there are some great football schools. You see their football instincts and intellect that they play with. There are some very impressive football players across the state.”
