Two highly successful spring sports coaches from Northwest Montana are finalists for National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year awards.

They are Derek Schulz, Whitefish High School boys track, and Larry Smith, Polson High School softball.

All total, 12 Montana head coaches have been named as finalists along with one assistant coach and one athletic director.

Eight finalists — one from each region — are selected nationwide in each category. There are 19 sporting categories.

The winners will be announced at the National Coach of the Year Banquet, which will be held as part of the NHSACA national convention at Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo., on June 18.

The Coach of the Year award, according to a press release, is based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage.

Smith, in his 27th season as head coach with the Pirates, has amassed a 513-179 won-loss record.

Polson has captured seven state championships under his watch, been runners-up twice and finished third once.

His Pirates went 25-3 last year and placed second at state.

Smith been a finalist for this award twice previously.

“Like I tell everybody, it’s all about the program and the girls,” Smith said.

“They are the reason I’ve been bestowed these honors.

“I’m just humbled with what our program has done in this community, how successful it has been,” he added.

“Being able to witness the girls pride and joy for being part of this program (is reward enough).”

The Whitefish boys track and field team won its eighth state championship last season, though Schulz also gives credit to the school’s talent pool as much as its coaching.

“It’s a result of lots of great kids and assistant coaches,” Schulz said. “We’ve been really fortunate and had some stellar athletes and great leaders on our team.

“That’s great, but I can’t take all the credit for that. It’s just great to be a part of it.”

Montana Coaches Association

Finalists For National Awards

Tennis — Michael Anderson, Bozeman

Wrestling — Scott Filius, Havre

Girls cross country — Rod Karst, Glasgow

Football — Scott King, Malta

Swimming — Ed McNamee, Great Falls and C.M. Russell

Special sports — Julie O’Dell, Hardin

Boys basketball — Doug Robison, Billings West

Boys track and field — Derek Schulz, Whitefish

Girls track and field — Tad Schye, Malta

Softball — Larry Smith, Polson

Soccer — Laurie Stergar, Billings Central

Volleyball — Iona Stookey, Huntley Project

Assistant boys sport — Terry Rosin, Stevensville

Athletic director — Duane Walker, Hardin