Oregon prep star Kenny Cox, 31, passed away in Hawaii on Friday
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by Gary Abbott
Recent photo of Kenny Cox, from the Cox family
Kenny Cox, 31, one of the top prep wrestlers in the history of Oregon wrestling, passed away in Hawaii on Friday, August 14.
Cox was living in a remote area on the island of Kauai. He passed away unexpectedly while being visited by his parents there. He suffered from a respiratory problem during their visit. His parents called for medical assistance but Cox died on the way to the hospital.
Cox was the 1997 ASICS High School Wrestler of the Year, an award given each year to the best high school wrestler in the nation. He was a three-time Oregon state champion for Churchill High School in Eugene, Ore. Cox was a five-time ASICS Junior National champion during his career, winning three Junior Greco-Roman titles and two Junior freestyle titles.
"His passion, his work ethic, his positive attitude and competitive spirit were unmatched," his Churchill wrestling coach Randy Robinson said to the Eugene Register Guard. "He had one gear, and that was overdrive. … He ran hard, he lifted hard, he wrestled hard. He's easily one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the state of Oregon."
Cox went on to attend the Univ. of Oregon in college, where he competed in wrestling but did not achieve national honors.
He was an assistant wrestling coach at three high schools in Oregon after leaving college.
Many friends and family talk about Kenny's friendly personality and unique perspective about life.
"Kenny spent much time examining life and taking action. Kenny led a life of humble possessions, sincere love, and a keen ability to selflessly focus on others," wrote David Watson in a blog posted in Cox's memory.
To read the memorial blog for Kenny Cox, developed by his friends, visit
http://www.kenny-cox.blogspot.com/
Kenny Cox is survived by his parents, George and Vivien Cox of Eugene, and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at Berean Baptist Church, 1210 Chambers St. in Eugene.
Click to read Eugene Register Guard article on Kenny Cox
Kenny Cox, 31, one of the top prep wrestlers in the history of Oregon wrestling, passed away in Hawaii on Friday, August 14.
Cox was living in a remote area on the island of Kauai. He passed away unexpectedly while being visited by his parents there. He suffered from a respiratory problem during their visit. His parents called for medical assistance but Cox died on the way to the hospital.
Cox was the 1997 ASICS High School Wrestler of the Year, an award given each year to the best high school wrestler in the nation. He was a three-time Oregon state champion for Churchill High School in Eugene, Ore. Cox was a five-time ASICS Junior National champion during his career, winning three Junior Greco-Roman titles and two Junior freestyle titles.
"His passion, his work ethic, his positive attitude and competitive spirit were unmatched," his Churchill wrestling coach Randy Robinson said to the Eugene Register Guard. "He had one gear, and that was overdrive. … He ran hard, he lifted hard, he wrestled hard. He's easily one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the state of Oregon."
Cox went on to attend the Univ. of Oregon in college, where he competed in wrestling but did not achieve national honors.
He was an assistant wrestling coach at three high schools in Oregon after leaving college.
Many friends and family talk about Kenny's friendly personality and unique perspective about life.
"Kenny spent much time examining life and taking action. Kenny led a life of humble possessions, sincere love, and a keen ability to selflessly focus on others," wrote David Watson in a blog posted in Cox's memory.
To read the memorial blog for Kenny Cox, developed by his friends, visit
http://www.kenny-cox.blogspot.com/
Kenny Cox is survived by his parents, George and Vivien Cox of Eugene, and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at Berean Baptist Church, 1210 Chambers St. in Eugene.
Click to read Eugene Register Guard article on Kenny Cox
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