Deseret News prep editor James Edward was honored Wednesday by the Utah High School Activities Association as a Distinguished Media Contributor.

Edward, an alumnus of Olympus High School and the University of Utah, began working at the Deseret News in 1995. He also worked at the Utah Daily Chronicle all four years he attended the U, and he worked at the Davis County Clipper for nine months.

Edward was hired as a full-time sports writer in 1999. He took over prep editor duties in the summer of 2003 and has been coordinating the paper's award-winning prep coverage ever since.

Edward is responsible for the Deseret News' unmatched online coverage of Utah preps and has been a driving force behind expanded coverage of the state's high school athletes. He led the effort to offer real-time scoring updates, as well as tournament blogging and Web publishing of comprehensive statistical records.

Edward also covers Real Salt Lake for the Deseret News and is a co-host of the Prep Fan on KFAN Radio Saturday mornings from 11-1 p.m.

Edward is married to Megan Bush Edward and they have a son, William, as well as a daughter on the way.

The UHSAA's executive committee also honored several others associated with prep sports at their luncheon Wednesday afternoon.

Other honorees were:

Dave Peck, Bingham High, 5A coach of the year; Greg Sheide, Orem High, 4A coach of the year; Sharon Wall, Richfield High, 3A coach of the year; Shawn MacQueen, Rowland Hall, 2A coach of the year; Clint Barney, Panguitch High, 1A coach of the year; Richard Barton, Richfield High, athletic director of the year; Jackie Parker, female official of the year; Bruce Allen, male official of the year; Kelly DeHaan, West Jordan, music educator of the year; LeeAnn Hyer, Davis High, speech educator of the year; Sterling Parker, Kearns High, Distinguished Contributor; Dr. Russ Toronto, UHSAA Sports Medicine Committee, Distinguished Contributor.

—Deseret News staff and wire reports