Submitted photo – Fortuna’s Clint Duey receives the prestigious Phil Hempler Distinguished Service Award.

Fortuna High School received a double dose of CIF accolades last week, honoring two members of their staff for a lifetime of dedication to the Huskies.

Head football coach Mike Benbow was recognized as one of this year’s CIF Model Coach Award winners, while Superintendent of the Fortuna Union High School District Clint Duey received the prestigious Phil Hempler Distinguished Service Award.

According to the NCS, the Phil Hempler Award is awarded to those who “exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character in their unique and distinguished service to the North Coast Section, C.I.F.”

Duey becomes just the sixth-ever local recipient of the North Coast Section’s highest service award, which is given annually to one or two recipients and dates back to 1986.

It is also the third time in just four years that the honor has been awarded to a member of the H-DNL. 

The NCS president elect follows in the footsteps of previous local winners — Carl Del Grande in 1992, Charles Lakin in 2002, Richard Graey in 2013, Jack Lakin in 2022 and Kristie Christiansen in 2023.

Duey will take over as NCS president for two years, beginning with the 2025/26 school year.

Phil Hempler served NCS sports for 40 years as a coach, official, athletic director and league commissioner, and was NCS Commissioner of Athletics from 1962 to 1972.

Benbow, meanwhile, is one of 19 coaches from around the state to be honored as a CIF Model Coach Award winner for 2024/25.

Her is one of just three high school football coaches in all of California to be honored.

According to a press release announcing the news, Benbow’s “ability to challenge and support his players while nurturing their growth both as athletes and as individuals is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.”

A former Husky student-athlete, Benbow began his coaching career in 1993 with the Fortuna High girls basketball, track and JV baseball programs.

The press release added that “Additionally, coach Benbow’s influence extends beyond the football field. He serves as a role model, not just for his athletes but for fellow coaches and the community at large.”