Program has recognized nearly 90 students and awarded more than $30,000

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWire) -- 09/03/2009 -- Coastal Federal Credit Union and WRBZ Sports Radio 850 The Buzz kicked off the Scholar Athlete of the Month program for an 8th consecutive year this September. Each month during the school year, two winners will be selected from a pool of nominees who excel in both sports and academics. Winners will receive on-air recognition and a commemorative trophy. Additionally, Coastal will grant a $400 scholarship to each school in the student's honor.

From September through May 2010, nominations will be accepted from high schools within WRBZ’s large broadcast area. Teachers, coaches and counselors can nominate a student by visiting www.850thebuzz.com/scholarentry.htm. There is no cost to participate in this program.

In addition to the winners' trophy and cash award for the school, two-minute vignette interviews with each scholar athlete will run on 850 The Buzz during the month they are recognized. Biographies and pictures to honor winners will be posted at www.850thebuzzsuccess.com and www.coastal24.com.

The Scholar Athlete of the Month program launched in September 2002. To date, Coastal has awarded over $37,000 to area schools on behalf of the 90 students that have earned the award.

About WRBZ/WDNC:
McClatchey Broadcasting is privately owned and operates Sports Talk radio stations WRBZ - “850 The Buzz,” and WDNC “620 The Bull.” The McClatchey stations offer the latest sports information, breaking news, local coverage, and nationally syndicated sports talk programming. Some of the local talent that can be heard on McClatchey Broadcasting stations include: Adam Gold, Joe Ovies, David Glenn, Morgan Patrick, Bomani Jones and others. The McClatchey stations are also home to some of the nation’s top syndicated shows such as Jim Rome, Imus, Dan Patrick and The Packman among others. WRBZ/WDNC are Fox Sports Radio and Sporting News Radio affiliates. The company maintains sports affiliations and relationships with Duke, UNC, NCSU, ECU, ASU, the Carolina Panthers, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Charlotte Bobcats.

About Coastal Federal Credit Union:
Coastal Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, financial cooperative, offering a full range of financial products and services for individuals, families and businesses. Coastal was chartered on August 31, 1967 with the mission of fostering the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”. Today, with $2.2 billion in assets, Coastal serves 195,000 members from 1,200 business partners and is the 10th largest financial institution in the state. Coastal operates 18 branches in the Triangle and Charlotte markets and is online at http://www.COASTAL24.com