RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – Governor Josh Stein inducted nine people into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Thursday, recognizing their contributions to the state through athletic achievement and community service.
Among those was Wrightsville Beach sailor Martin Willard, who has served as a competitive sailor and sailing mentor for more than 50 years, according to the release. He is a four-time World Championship regatta top-10 finisher and a member of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
“These exceptional North Carolinians have excelled in sports and, beyond their wins, demonstrated deep commitment to their communities,” Stein said. “I am honored to recognize them today for their athletic excellence and community contributions.”
The other honorees included NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, Appalachian State University head football coach Shawn Clark, former Wake Forest basketball player Rodney Rogers, basketball analyst Debbie Antonelli, Paralympic gold medalist Kayden Beasley, former Davidson College basketball coach Bob McKillop, Olympic skeleton athlete Mystique Ro, and NBA player John Wall.
Stein also recognized North Carolina Central University Chancellor Karrie Dixon and the university’s men’s tennis team for their 2025 HBCU National Tennis Championship victory.