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MHS's Cox logged fast miles during strong campaign
Bruce Matlock
Josh Cox finished third in 3,200-meter run at 3A state championship meet in Greensboro.
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Published: June 26, 2009
Josh Cox is working as a lifeguard this summer. Next year he will be counted on to make sure that the Mooresville boys track program continues to keep its head above water.
For his exploits in long-distance running in 2009, Cox was selected as the R&L Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Cox was the leader of a pack of Blue Devils distance runners that dominated Iredell County and the North Piedmont 3A Conference. He qualified for the state meet and finished third in the 3,200-meter run to give the perennial powerhouse Mooresville boys team its best individual performance.
Cox was also a member of the 3,200-meter relay team that finished fifth at the state meet.
He also stars on the cross country team, finishing third at the conference meet and eighth at the state meet this year. He was selected as the MVP for this year's successful squad.
Blue Devils coach Brad Baker credits Cox with helping the Mooresville track team become a family.
"He's the kind of kid who can talk to almost anybody," Baker said. "Even though we had a ton of seniors, he was a leader for us even as a junior. Other kids could come talk to him.
"He helped our team become a family and be cohesive. With 70 on the team it helps to have someone like Josh to make everyone jell and get along. Probably the most important thing he did was to help everyone to jell."
Mooresville won the county meet, the NPC meet and the regional meet.
Cox believes the family atmosphere was vital to the Blue Devils' success.
"We hang out and it's more like a family," Cox said. "A lot of teams are not close. I believe that's what makes us so good."
Cox started running in the seventh grade at Mooresville Middle School. He began his career desiring to be a high jumper but quickly found his niche in distance running. Cox found success in middle school, but has had to work his way up through the ranks at Mooresville High. As a freshman, Cox found himself lagging behind a talented group of Blue Devil upperclassmen.
"We had so many good runners here like Patrick Campbell," Cox said. "I did all right, but I wasn't one of the best on the team. I was the fourth or fifth best in the mile on our team. I finished last in the mile at the regionals that year."
Cox also experienced some difficulties during his sophomore year. "I got tendinitis in my calf and I couldn't really run as fast as I wanted to. I finished sixth at the regionals and only the top four advance to the state. I was disappointed with that, but I looked forward to my junior year.
His junior year was indeed memorable.
"I knew that I would be one of the top two, and I needed to be a leader," Cox said. "My junior year was a lot of fun. I kept improving all year."
It has been said that the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. This is certainly true in distance running. Cox has paid the price to become an elite runner.
During cross country season, Cox will run 50 miles each week. During track season, he averages 35 miles each week.
He plans to log 50 to 55 miles each week during the summer.
"His work ethic is second to none," Baker said. "He was out here training in February when it was raining, cold and icy. He was usually leading the pack."
Cox credits cross country coach Mike Serefine with helping to hone his distance skills.
"Coach Serefine really knows what he is doing, and he gets us in shape," Cox commented. "He's a good coach. He's my role model."
Cox is also thankful for the support of his parents. "My parents have always encouraged me to chase my dreams."
Cox is not content to rest on his laurels. He is expecting even greater success his senior year. He would like to win the state next year in cross country and envisions the Blue Devil 3,200-meter relay team breaking the school record at some point during his senior season.
"For him, the sky is the limit," Baker said. "His potential is unlimited. He's set himself up to have a great ending to his career."
EDITOR'S NOTE: For a complete listing of all-county boys track and field team members, see Friday's print edition of the R&L.
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