The Sarasota Herald-Tribune celebrated the finest athletes, teams, and mentors from Manatee and Sarasota counties during its prestigious High School Sports Awards. This event highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication within local high school sports for the 2025-2026 season. The newspaper's sports department meticulously selected All-Area Teams, showcasing the premier athletes and coaches across various disciplines. A key focus of the ceremony was the announcement of the Boys Coach of the Year, a title awarded to a leader who demonstrated remarkable skill and guided their team to significant achievements throughout the year.
Sarasota High's B.J. Ivey Honored as Boys Coach of the Year Amidst Public Voting Initiative
On Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, The Ora in Sarasota hosted the eagerly anticipated annual Sarasota-Manatee High School Sports Awards. During this distinguished gathering, B.J. Ivey, the esteemed basketball coach from Sarasota High, received the coveted Boys Coach of the Year award. This recognition came as a result of his exceptional leadership, which propelled the Sarasota Sailors to achieve both district and regional titles. Remarkably, Coach Ivey guided his team to the Class 7A state championship game, a feat unprecedented in the program's 104-year history. The Sailors narrowly missed capturing the state title, falling 53-50 to the three-time reigning champions, Miami Columbus, in a fiercely contested match. Sarasota High concluded its stellar season with an impressive 25-7 record, including a nine-game winning streak leading up to the final. Following this significant accolade, the Herald-Tribune has extended an invitation to the community to participate in a fan poll, allowing the public to cast their votes for their choice of Boys Coach of the Year, thereby engaging the community in the celebration of coaching excellence. Voting remains open until 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, with winners to be revealed on the heraldtribunesports Instagram page. The organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining voting integrity, reserving the right to disqualify candidates or declare a vote invalid if any evidence of tampering, such as bot usage or paid voting, is detected, urging respect for the game's integrity.
This initiative by the Herald-Tribune not only acknowledges the tireless efforts of coaches but also fosters community engagement in celebrating local sports achievements. It highlights the profound impact coaches have on young athletes, shaping not just their athletic prowess but also their character and resilience. By involving the public in the voting process, the awards become a shared celebration of excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches. The commitment to fair play, both on the field and in the voting process, reinforces the values of sportsmanship and integrity that are central to high school athletics.
