When Columbus native Chuck Box was the baseball coach at Freed-Hardeman Univerity, he took the program to unprecedented heights.
Box, a 1987 graduate of former Caldwell High School, coached the Lions from 1994-98 and again from 2003-04 with his 1996 team setting a school record with 36 wins and his 1997 team winning the TranSouth Conference regular season championship and finishing 44-10.
For his contributions, Box was inducted into the Freed-Hardeman Athletics Hall of Fame this past Friday.
The 41-year old Box, who is now the baseball coach at Jackson Prep, was notified of his selection by Freed-Hardeman athletic director Mike McCutchen.
“When I first thought about it, it was like ”Oh that”s great.”” Box said. “But as I”ve thought about it a little bit more, it”s an honor. I have a lot of respect for Freed-Hardeman for the fine institution that it is.”
Box played baseball at Freed-Hardeman and served as an assistant coach from 1989-90 and again from 1992-93 before becoming the head coach.
Box met his wife and had his first child while coaching at Freed-Hardeman.
“A lot of my life is really invested in that place,” Box said. “To be honored by a place that you have so much respect for and a place that has been significant in your life, is quite an honor and something I”m very grateful for.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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