Terry coach Tim Teykl is a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s Power of Influence award. Photo by Ronnie Montgomery/For the Chronicle

Terry coach Tim Teykl is a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s Power of Influence award.

The nomination by UIL athletic director Cliff Odenwald and the Texas High School Coaches Association is the second for Teykl.

“Tim typifies professionalism in athletics because of his passion, not only for the sport, but passion for the administrators, the coaches and his players,” Lamar CISD athletic director Mike Rice said.

“He promotes them through the coaches’ association, both here and on a national level. This is a great honor for Tim and the district.”

AFCA board members make the final selection for the highest honor the organization bestows. Past recipients include Amarillo’s Larry Dippel, Summerville, S.C.’s John McKissick and George Smith from St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.).

The award will be presented during the annual AFCA coach of the year dinner Jan. 12, 2010, in Orlando, Fla.

“This is an award given to a high school head coach based on the power of influence throughout their career,” AFCA executive director Grant Teaff said. “The criteria for receiving this award are not necessarily based on how many games are won.

“We have found that coaches who positively influence their coaches, players and community have longevity and thus win many games.”