Danville Coach Steve Stonebraker Named Howard Schnellenberger Coach of the Year

Stonebraker led Danville High School to a 9-3 season and a playoff win in his first year as head coach.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school football game, with players in motion represented through overlapping planes of red and blue shapes, capturing the energy and dynamism of the sport.The Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group honors Danville High School's transformative coach Steve Stonebraker for his leadership, integrity, and ability to inspire his players.Danville Today

Steve Stonebraker, the head football coach at Danville High School, has been named the Howard Schnellenberger Coach of the Year by the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group. Stonebraker led the Danville Admirals to a 9-3 record and a playoff win in his first season as head coach, turning around a team that had lost 23 straight games prior to his arrival.

Why it matters

The Howard Schnellenberger Coach of the Year award is as much about how a coach conducts himself and mentors his players as it is about winning games. Stonebraker's ability to communicate with and motivate his players, while also instilling values of character, is what earned him this prestigious honor.

The details

In his first year as head coach, Stonebraker guided the Danville Admirals to a 9-3 record and a playoff win, a remarkable turnaround for a team that had lost 23 straight games prior to his arrival. The award is presented by the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group, which looks at factors beyond just wins and losses, including a coach's ability to mentor and motivate teenagers, as well as their commitment to sportsmanship and integrity.

  • Stonebraker will receive the award on June 25th in Lexington.
  • The 2026 Blanton Collier Integrity award winner, Joe Flacco, will be a special guest at the event.

The players

Steve Stonebraker

The head football coach at Danville High School who turned around the team's fortunes in his first season, leading them to a 9-3 record and a playoff win.

Rob Schmid

The president of the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group, which presents the Howard Schnellenberger Coach of the Year award.

Joe Flacco

The 2026 Blanton Collier Integrity award winner, who will be a special guest at the event where Stonebraker receives his award.

Blanton Collier

The former football coach and executive for whom the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group and its awards are named, known for his integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership.

David Buchanan

A past recipient of the Blanton Collier Coach of the Year award, who will introduce Joe Flacco at this year's event.

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What they’re saying

“Success in coaching is not an easy task, but neither is the ability to mentor and motivate teenagers, as any parent can attest. Your success on the field is a testament to your ability to communicate and empathize with a diverse group of young men and direct individuals to sacrifice self for team and it is those talents that we honor.”

— Rob Schmid, President of the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group

“Wins and losses come into play but it is about more than just that. I have known Steve for many, many years. I knew him when he was (coaching) at Centre College. I know the leadership, character and class he has had during the totality of his career. For me, he was an easy choice and Danville is lucky to have him. There might be other coaches with more wins but just the person he is sells me on him being our winner.”

— John Smoot, Member of the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group

What’s next

Stonebraker will receive the Howard Schnellenberger Coach of the Year award on June 25th in Lexington, where he will be introduced by past award winner David Buchanan. The event will also feature a special appearance by 2026 Blanton Collier Integrity award winner Joe Flacco.

The takeaway

This award recognizes that successful coaching is about more than just winning games - it's about mentoring young athletes, instilling values of character, and serving as a positive role model in the community. Stonebraker's ability to turn around the Danville program while embodying these principles is what made him a deserving choice for this prestigious honor.