Losing a leader
Maryland high school football has lost one of its most passionate supporters with the passing of John Cox, who served as chairman of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association's football committee.
Cox, who was also an assistant superintendent of the Charles County school system, died last Monday at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer. He coached at his alma mater, La Plata, for nearly 10 years and was named state Football Coach of the Year in 1975.
Cox helped develop uniform rules for state play and chaired the MPSSAA football committee for 18 years, where, among other things, he kept and compiled the points system for the state playoffs. During his tenure as either chair or co-chair, the tournament field doubled twice, reaching the current level with 16 teams per class.
On a personal note, Cox was a patient, thoughtful man who always took time to explain the playoff system with reporters, and relished the chance to talk football. He will be sorely missed.
Comments
Memories of a Champion
I consider myself foturnate to have played for Coach Cox, as we used to call him, from 1976 -1980 at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Va. Back then he undertook the daunting task of commuting from La Plata to Fairfax. That alone, should tell you something about the man. He lived the example of how hard work and ethical behavior could produce achievement. Like all good leaders, he generated that subtle pressure to perform and to achieve more than you did yesterday or last year.
He will be missed by all who played for him. We wish his family all the love and grace they need to cope with his departure.
God Bless you Coach.
Posted by: Greg Crawford | October 9, 2007 10:12 AM
I played football for Coach Cox in the early 80's at WT Woodson. I can count on only a few fingers the leaders I’ve encountered throughout my life that left a lasting impression. Coach Cox was and is one of those men. The character, discipline, respect and leadership Coach Cox instilled in me at a very young age took me through college, the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer, through Desert Shield & Storm and executive level leadership in business. I thank Coach John Cox for his leadership and everlasting impression he made on me. I know there are many others out there developed by Coach Cox that are now men of character in large part due to Coach Cox. Gone but certainly not forgotten, thank you and God bless you Coach. May you rest in peace Sir
Posted by: mark | October 18, 2007 12:43 AM