Cox inducted into HOF

By Staff
Kim West
Don Cox, the winningest football coach in Russellville history, was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Monday night.
"Mr. (Steve) Savarese, the AHSAA director, called me three weeks ago and told me I had been selected, and I was surprised," said Cox. "It's a great honor, and it's honor for the schools I coached at."
Cox, 58, who won 132 games in 15 seasons at Russellville and guided the Golden Tigers to 10 playoff appearances and two championship games, was one of nine inductees honored at a ceremony held at Montgomery's Renaissance Hotel and Spa with over 600 people in attendance, including nearly 100 people from Russellville.
"We have great support and tradition at Russellville, and as a coach you've got to feel blessed when you work in a community that has the kind of support we have," said Cox, who coached at Gordo, Dora and Brilliant prior to Russellville. "We had a great representation of former and current players, coaches, teachers and administrators who made the trip to Montgomery."
The 2008 class, which was selected by the 17-member Hall of Fame committee from 53 submitted nominations, also included T.R. Miller track coach Alan Baker, Conecuh girls basketball coach Michael Cheatham, Mountain Brook track coach Greg Echols, Holtville basketball coach James Findley, Hazlewood football coach Rickey Johnson, football official Bob Pannone, Pelham volleyball coach Tammy Richardson and Spring Garden boys and girls basketball coach Dale Welsh.
Being in Montgomery must have brought memories back for Cox, who coached Russellville against Blount in the last state championship game held in Mobile in 1992. He also led Russellville to the finals in 1992 when the Golden Tigers, who had to defeat archrival Colbert County twice that season, lost in double-overtime to Greenville 21-20.
"There are a lot of highlights from 23 years of coaching, but playing in the state championships was always special," said Cox. "I was fortunate enough to coach Chucky Mullins, an inspiration to all of us because of where he came from to where he ended up, and there were a lot of other players who earned college scholarships and were great players.
"But the real pride I have is seeing all those players with average ability play a lot better than that on Friday nights. I want my former players to know that I cared about them and still care about them. I hope they're successful, and they share in this honor."
Russellville Parks and Recreation director Chad Sears played for Cox from 1991-94, and the former Russellville and North Alabama star describes him as an outstanding leader.
"He was like a father figure to me, and I have tremendous respect for him because playing for him gave me the opportunity to go to college and be where I am today," said Sears.
"He was very instrumental in getting the program to where it's at today, and I know that losing wasn't an option for him. He was willing to do what it takes to win and be successful, and that's part of being a good leader."
Cox, who has also served as Russellville principal and assistant principal and is currently the administrative assistant for the city schools system, said he wants people to know that this award was a team effort.
"I also want to mention superintendent Dr. (Wayne) Ray, who was my principal, and superintendents Dr. (Robert) Clemmons and Dr. (Rube) Courington," Cox said. "And I don't want to forget to thank my family – everyone was there and we had a great time at the ceremony.
"I hope everyone realizes this isn't just recognition for me because in coaching you never think in terms of 'you' and 'I' and so many people have contributed to the success we have had over the years."
Kim West is sports editor for The Franklin County Times. She can be reached at kim.west@fct.wpengine.com or (256) 332-1881, ext. 30.