Raymond Cox is a native of Laurel County, Kentucky and a graduate of Hazel Green High School where his athletic accomplishments flourished and his talent became recognized. Cox lettered in both track and basketball while making the All State Basketball Team and helping Hazel Green to consecutive Kentucky State Tournament appearances, finishing third in 1965.
His basketball talents caught the attention of Cumberland College, now University of the Cumberlands, where he received a full athletic scholarship. On the freshman team, Cox set a record at 37 rebounds in a game. This feat moved him to the varsity squad where he started the remainder of the season for both the freshman and varsity teams. He was fourth on the team in assists with 69 and voted Most Improved Player in his freshman season. The next three seasons 1968-70 Cox was a starter and was voted team captain. As a sophomore, Raymond averaged 19.8 points through 24 games and pulled down 9.6 boards. During his junior year he averaged 16.8 points and 9.7 rebounds. A capstone senior season further differentiated Raymond as a performer by averaging an amazing double-double with 13.7 points and a strong 13.2 rebounds per game. Cox ended his Cumberland career in 1970 with 1,356 point (13.8 per game) ranking him third all time and 911 rebounds (9.3 per game) which ranked him second for a career. His 98 games played was also fourth best all time in 1970.
Among his team, conference, and district accomplishments, Cox was named Best Cumberland Defensive player ’68-70, Cumberland 110% Award ’68-’70, three time All-KIAC selection, and two District 32 Runner-Up Titles in three consecutive Tournament appearances. Currently, Cox ranks 11 th in points (all of his points were scored before the advent of the 3-pt line) and 6 th in rebounds at Cumberland.
At Cumberland he completed a Bachelors of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Geology. Cox went on to receive both a Masters in Education and Rank I degrees at Union College with Administrations of School Health Program certification. He has amassed an impressive 27 year career of teaching and coaching in Harlan County, Kentucky. His coaching career has included both boys and girls teams at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Cox coached seven All-State Performers and three All-Americans.
Cox resides in Wallins Creek, Kentucky with his wife, Donna K. Cox, a Cumberland classmate, cheerleader, and fellow graduate. Donna is a retired high school English teacher and presently serves on the faculty of Southeast Community College. They have three children, Todd, Travis, and Tonja, each of whom hold teaching certificates. When Raymond is not with one of his eight grandchildren, his hobbies include walking, small scale farming, gardening, amateur photography and wood working. According to Donna, his wife, Raymond has always lived by the motto “boost more and boast less”, remaining a humble person among all of his life accomplishments.
