Harold Cox

Harold Cox was a star performer at the onset of golden eras of basketball at Kokomo High School and the University of Evansville and later became the first boys varsity basketball coach at Kokomo’s Haworth High School.

The 5-foot-11 guard played three seasons (1952-54) at Kokomo, where the Kats fashioned a 60-20 won-lost record, including a 26-8 mark in North Central Conference play. As a senior, Cox captured the NCC scoring title despite playing with a cast on a broken wrist for eight weeks. Named as an alternate to the 10-member Indiana All-Star team, Cox graduated as the Kats’ all-time leading scorer.

Cox continued his success at Evansville where he helped lay the groundwork for one of the country’s top programs. Over three seasons (1957-59) as a starting guard, Cox spurred the Purple Aces to a 62-18 record. Included among the notable wins was an 83-76 decision over Coach John Wooden’s 13th-ranked UCLA Bruins. That ’58 Evansville squad finished 23-4, taking third place in the NCAA College Division National Championship. One season later, the Purple Aces (21-6) captured the school’s first national title with an 83-67 win over Missouri State.

Primarily a playmaker and standout defender, Cox also displayed his offensive prowess by scoring 970 career points. He was named to the Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983.

Cox coached varsity basketball for 17 seasons at Portage, Haworth and Castle high schools. His most noted success came from 1970-72 at Haworth when the Huskies compiled a 58-15 record.

A retired teacher living in Fishers, Cox is a drivers education instructor. He is the father of Michael, Kimber and Julie. He has five grandchildren and one great grandchild.