PENDER COUNTY — The stadium and track at Heide Trask High School will be named after two school coaches, Ed Gilroy and Bill Mercier, this Friday.
The ceremony will take place during halftime at the home opening football game against Rocky Mount Preparatory. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Coach Gilroy dedicated 42 years to teaching, with a significant portion of his career in Pender County Schools from 1992 to 2021. His coaching career spans 28 years in track and field, 12 years in cross country, 15 years in football, and one year each in basketball and golf. As the athletic director at Heide Trask High School from 2002 to 2019 and again in 2021, Gilroy shaped the athletic programs and guided countless students to success both on and off the field.
Coach Gilroy’s accolades include being a conference president for 13 years across various conferences and earning multiple certifications and awards, including the North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year in 2018 and induction into the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2022.
Coach Mercier spent his entire 30-year teaching career in Pender County, with notable accomplishments in both football and track and field. At Pender High School, Mercier was part of the football coaching staff that led the team to its first conference championship and playoff win. He also spearheaded the men’s track and field team to their first conference championship in 1998.
At Heide Trask High School, Mercier’s guided the men’s track and field team to two state championships, four regional championships, and numerous conference titles over 17 years. His leadership produced nine individual state champions and two relay team state champions. In addition to his coaching achievements, Mercier served as the assistant athletic director for 12 years, playing a crucial role in the development of the school’s athletic programs.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony to honor the two coaches who have left their mark on Heide Trask High School.
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