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Doug Boxell Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach

April 17, 2009
By cnp
Posted in Athletics

Clarksville, Ark.-Doug Boxell, the winner of five High School state championships in Texas, was named the new head men's basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks, it was announced by Athletic Director Jimmy Clark Friday.

Boxell has spent the last 13 years as the head boy’s basketball coach at Ponder High School where he won three state championships, including back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. 12 of his 13 teams won district titles. Boxell has also served as the school’s athletic director the past five years.

“We are fortunate to hire a successful and experienced coach with connections in Texas,” said Clark. “He has coached a long time and has many impressive accomplishments. We liked what Coach Boxell brought to the table and feel like he will be an asset to the university and the community. He understands academics come first. He is a firm believer athletics is a way to help young men grow. He is a guy that can build relationships with his players and within the community.”

His extensive Texas coaching experience spans nearly 25 years, including two other stops that resulted in state championships. Prior to Ponder High School, Boxell spent two seasons at Sudan High School, and led the Hornets to a state title in 1995. His first head coaching stint was at Santo High School, where he spent five years and won the state title in 1990. He also had stops at Lampasas High School, Neches High School and Alpine High School. He owns an impressive 670-175 (.792) career record.

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity,” said Boxell. “It is a great challenge for me, and one that I have planned for and hoped to do. The competition will be at a higher level, but it will be fun and challenging. I feel good about this decision.”

“Ozarks is a great university where student-athletes can receive a solid education. And, that education will help them in life. It is also an opportunity to work with a different group of guys. I can be involved with the development of their future careers.”

Boxell will emphasize the importance of quality shot selection and sound defense.

“We want to have good shot selection enabling us to be in a position to win,” said Boxell. “We will play good defense and move the ball around. I like to play man-to-man defense, but we will adjust with what type of personal we have. We want guys that can create their own shot and be able to get to the basket. I want players here that want to be part of something special.”

During his career, 23 of his teams have made the playoffs, with 17 of those winning district championships. He guided 16 of his teams to the regional tournament and seven made state tournament appearances. He was the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Coach of the Year twice and District Coach of the Year 14 times. He was named the Denton Record Chronicle and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Coach of the Year three times. In 1990, he was the head coach of the TABC All-Star game.

Boxell received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from University of North Texas in 1980. He has a master’s degree in Physical Education from Sam Houston State University.

Boxell and his wife, Jeananne, are the parents of four sons.

Boxell becomes the 16th head coach in program history and replaces Matt O’Connor, who resigned after eight seasons at Ozarks.

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