THOMASVILLE — “Semper Fidelis.”

It’s a latin phrase which translates to “always faithful”, and it’s well known as the motto of the United States Marine Corps.

Thomas County Central’s longest-tenured coach was honored for the commitment, honor and courage that the Marines strive for, as associate head football coach Bill Wilhelm was awarded the United States Marine Corps Semper Fi Coach Award on Tuesday.

Wilhelm’s coaching career spans decades, dating back to 1986. After a three-year stint at Lowndes High School, he moved on to Central in 1989, where he has been a part of five state football championships since.

“It’s awesome,” Wilhelm said. “It’s quite an honor. Any award from any of our armed services is a humbling experience. The fact that they go out and lay their lives on the line to keep our country free makes it that much more special.”

An award of that caliber would certainly be special for anyone, but Wilhelm’s connections with the armed forces give him notable appreciation for the kind of sacrifice that is exhibited by the men and women in uniform. His late father served in World War II as a member of the Navy.

“He served on a destroyer,” Wilhelm said. “My dad was only 16 when he enlisted. He said, ‘I’m going to serve no matter what.’ His brother was in the Atlantic fleet and my dad was in the Pacific fleet. Anybody that serves in the armed forces in our country in any capacity is totally outstanding.”

Marine Sergeants Michael Maynard and Tony Simmons presented the award to Wilhelm in the school’s weight room, with administrators and some of his players looking on. Maynard, who has been the recruiter for Central, has known Wilhelm pretty well, and the event was just as special for him.

“It’s a huge honor to participate in this,” Maynard said. “He deserves it. As Marines, we’re proud of him. He’s helped us out a lot and I’m know he’s helped all these players out.”

When observing the event, Central athletic director Sam Holland did what he called “putting the parent shoes on.” He sees Wilhelm as the kind of man he would want his kids to be around, and he’s proud to have one of his coaches honored for the qualities Marines value so greatly.

“I tell my coaches at the beginning of the year, ‘Allow me to be around something great,” Holland said. “‘Let me see greatness every time you practice, every time you play.’ There’s probably nothing greater than one of my coaches being honored by the United States Marines.”