Prep briefs (Feb. 24, 2016)

Celebrating its 21st year, the Michael B. Nash soccer tournament has already given away over $100,000 in scholarships to college-bound North Myrtle Beach soccer players, and it has no signs of slowing down.

This year’s event – at the City of North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex – featuring 28 boys and girls teams, began with three games on Thursday and runs through Sunday. Local teams participating include Aynor, Conway, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, St. James and Waccamaw.

The event is held in memory of former North Myrtle Beach soccer player Michael Nash, who was killed in an amusement park accident in 1993 before his sophomore season at College of Charleston.

Nash’s stepfather Stan Given, along with Nash’s mother Linda Given, are organizers for the event. Stan Given said they take part in the annual distribution of the scholarship receipts at North Myrtle Beach high school. Any college-bound soccer player at the school is eligible for a scholarship, and when they enroll at a university they receive anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 from the tournament’s fund.

The girls tournament concludes on Saturday, with the third-place game kicking off at 2 p.m. and the championship at 3:30 p.m. The boys tournament’s championship will be at noon on Sunday.

A full schedule can be found below.

Myrtle Beach AD honored

Over the past seven years, Myrtle Beach High School athletics has been on par with some of the state’s best – regardless of classification.

And as a result, the man leading the charge will soon be recognized for his contribution.

Myrtle Beach athletic director John Cahill was nominated Wednesday to receive the state Athletic Director of the Year award. The distinction is presented annually by the S.C. Athletic Administration Association (SCAAA).

“This is a huge honor as John Cahill exemplifies what an athletic director is and does for his school and community,” said North Myrtle Beach athletic director Joseph Quigley in an e-mail. “His countless hours and dedication to his school and profession has enabled Myrtle Beach athletics to shine not only in Horry County, but the whole State of South Carolina.”

Since his first year on the job, Myrtle Beach varsity sports have earned 32 region championships, six Lower State titles and three state titles.

Under Cahill’s leadership, four new programs have been added, including B-team softball and baseball, plus boys and girls varsity lacrosse.

The Myrtle Beach athletic director will receive the award at the state Athletic Directors Conference on March 16 in Charleston.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 9:58 PM with the headline "Prep briefs (Feb. 24, 2016)."