The Wake County School Board approved the school's request to name the gymnasium where he coached in his honor.

Adams played on the Imps' state basketball championship team in 1954 and later coached at the school. He was an N.C. High School Athletic Association leader for 42 years, including 25 years as the executive director.

"He is one of ours," said Steve Holleman, who played for Adams at Cary and later coached the Imps.

"He deserves this honor. The school is honored that the gym will be named for him."

Adams was nationally prominent before resigning as the NCHSAA's executive director on Feb. 1. He had been president of the National Federation of State Associations and had been chairmen of several of its committees, including hall of fame, endowment and finance.

He is a member of the National High School Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

"It is no exaggeration to say that Charlie Adams had an impact on every high school athlete in the country," said Robert F. Kanaby, the executive director of the National Federation. "He not only had great ideas, he shared those ideas with the nation."

Kurt Glendenning, the Cary athletic director, said the school plans to have the official dedication in the fall.

"This is very important to our community," he said. "There are lots of people who will want to join in the celebration. We want to make sure we do it right."

A few football fields in the area have been named for individuals, including former Cary principal Paul Cooper, but Adams is believed to be the first person to have a Wake County Schools gymnasium named for him.