Refugio's Drew Cox to retire, Eli Boxell named next head football coach
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For the second time in three seasons, Refugio High School football team will once again have a new leader on the sidelines.
Second-year head football coach Drew Cox announced his retirement, and longtime defensive coordinator Eli Boxell has been named the Bobcats’ next head football coach.
The move was first reported by Mike Forman of the Sports Advocate. Refugio ISD also confirmed the change on its Facebook account Tuesday morning.
Boxell, who has been part of the Refugio coaching staff since 2001, replaces Cox and is believed to be stepping into his first head coaching role after more than two decades as an assistant and coordinator with the Bobcats.
Cox took over the program prior to the 2024 season, replacing legendary head coach Jason Herring, who guided Refugio to five state championships and established the Bobcats as a state powerhouse. Cox went 24-3 in two seasons as head coach, including a run to the UIL Class 2A Division I state semifinals this past fall.
Cox, 64, announced his retirement after 19 years of service with Refugio ISD. He concludes a 42-year career in education that included a long and accomplished coaching tenure, impacting generations of student-athletes.
“Coach Boxell’s experience and leadership make him a tremendous asset to the Refugio athletic program,” Refugio ISD posted on Facebook. “His passion for the game and dedication to developing young men both on and off the field align with the values and tradition of excellence long associated with Refugio football. Refugio ISD is grateful for Coach Boxell’s continued commitment to the program and looks forward to the next chapter of Bobcat football under his leadership.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Drew Cox retires after two seasons, Boxell to lead Refugio football
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