Faculty Sports activities
“The one purpose I am carrying my orange jacket tonight is as a result of I simply cannot take this factor off.”
David Hixon joked along with his spouse, Mandy, earlier than Saturday’s Basketball Corridor of Fame induction ceremony that his portion of the festivities could be like an “owl conference.”
With NBA legends from Dwyane Wade to Dirk Nowitzki additionally making it official, people within the viewers and all over the world would flip to 1 each other and say: “Hoo? Hoo? Hoo?” when Hixon took the stage.
To basketball followers in New England, Hixon has thrived as a titan and visionary for many years. To basketball followers all over the world, he grew to become a family identify when he earned his spot among the many better of the perfect.
Hixon took the stage with the exuberance of a child and the gratitude of a person who by no means thought he’d be there.
“The one purpose I’m carrying my orange jacket tonight is as a result of I simply can’t take this factor off,” Hixon mentioned.
Hixon, who led Amherst Faculty to twenty tournaments, seven Closing Fours, and two nationwide titles in 42 years, grew to become the third coach in NCAA historical past to surpass the 800-win mark.
He completed his profession with two Nationwide Coach of the Yr awards, 5 convention Coach of the Yr nods, and eight convention titles.
With fellow New England legends Jim Calhoun and John Calipari by his aspect, Hixon shared how honored he’s to signify Amherst Faculty, the New England Small Faculty Athletic Convention, and Division 3 on such a grand stage.
Hixon, who additionally performed at Amherst and mapped out his teaching profession whereas doing so, proudly mirrored on all he and people round him completed collectively.
“We created one thing actually particular,” Hixon advised the viewers. “The friendships, bonds, and lifelong relationships.”
Hixon, 70, thanked his household for his or her unwavering help, noting that his dad and mom have been absolutely smiling down. He thanked his gamers for giving him the privilege of teaching them.
He famous how really unbelievable it was to be acknowledged among the many “gods of the sport.”
Hixon entered the enterprise to vary lives, and that’s what he did.
“My story is a 50-year love affair with a college and sport,” he mentioned.
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