Corinth Holders High Senior Presented The Sam Narron Award 

SMITHFIELD – Corinth Holders High senior Briggs McKenzie was recently awarded the prestigious Sam Narron Baseball Award. The award is presented annually to a Johnston County high school senior baseball player who has demonstrated a love for the game through determination, dedication, and sacrifice.

“The Sam Narron Award is a Johnston County tradition. It is always an enjoyable time of year to highlight players like Briggs,” stated Director of Athletics & Driver Education Josh Plisko. “He is an outstanding athlete with a bright future.”

McKenzie is an exceptional student-athlete who has performed wonderfully inside the classroom and on the baseball diamond throughout his high school career. The six-foot and two-inches tall left-handed pitcher has become well known for his mid-90 mph fastball, changeup, curveball, and slider, but most people who know him speak highly of his exceptional character.

McKenzie’s success in the classroom has garnered him much recognition. He currently has a grade point average (GPA) of 3.86 and has recently been recognized as a recipient of the Greater Neuse River Conference Academic All-Conference Award. McKenzie has also been active in multiple clubs and organizations, including Future Farmers of America (FFA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and First Priority (FP). He currently serves as a leader in FCA and FP.

“In addition to being a talented ball player, his character and work ethic make him a standout,” added Plisko. “As a member of the student body, he has led in the school building with enthusiasm, while focusing on his studies.”

McKenzie’s baseball career at Corinth Holder High has been nothing short of a highlight reel. During this time, he has accumulated many stats, awards, and recognition through his play. Some of the most notable recognitions include: two-time All-State selection, All-Regional selection, four-time Greater Neuse River All-Conference selection, Greater Neuse River Conference Pitcher of the Year, and Gatorade State Player of the Year Finalist, to name a few.

McKenzie has committed to Louisiana State University to continue his academic and athletic career, where we are certain he will continue to excel and provide the outstanding performance he has become known for.

McKenzie is the 29th recipient of the Sam Narron Award, receiving a $500 scholarship and a recognition plaque. Additionally, his name will be placed on a plaque with past recipients, which hangs in the Evander S. Simpson Building in Smithfield.

The award is named in honor of Sam Narron, who was raised in the Emit community near Corinth Holders. In 1934, Narron, using most of the money he had, purchased a ticket to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to attend the first-ever baseball school.

The award’s namesake played and coached professional baseball for the Saint Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was part of two World Series Championship teams in a career that spanned from 1936 to 1964. Narron is a member of the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame.