The late Ken Yamase, who was executive director of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, was named one of three winners of the National Federation of State High School Associations Coach Educator of the Year award for 2009 yesterday.

“;This is a tremendous honor that's well deserved for Ken,”; said Keith Amemiya, the executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association. “;He was at the forefront of coaches' education in Hawaii and thus I'm glad that his efforts are being recognized.”;

Yamase, an avid waterman, drowned while diving last August. He was 59.

The NFHS, the national governing body for high school sports, said the three recipients were unanimously recommended by its coach education committee.

The other awardees are Mike Maghan of Oregon and Lavonne Norman of Alaska.