‘We created one thing actually particular’: Amherst coach David Hixon inducted into Basketball Corridor of Fame

School Sports activities

“The one purpose I am sporting my orange jacket tonight is as a result of I simply can’t take this factor off.”

David Hixon guided Amherst School to 2 nationwide titles. Jessica Hill/AP Photograph

David Hixon joked together with his spouse, Mandy, earlier than Saturday’s Basketball Corridor of Fame induction ceremony that his portion of the festivities could be like an “owl conference.”

With NBA legends from Dwyane Wade to Dirk Nowitzki additionally making it official, people within the viewers and world wide would flip to at least one one other and say: “Hoo? Hoo? Hoo?” when Hixon took the stage.

To basketball followers in New England, Hixon has thrived as a titan and visionary for many years. To basketball followers world wide, he grew to become a family title when he earned his spot among the many better of the perfect.

Hixon took the stage with the exuberance of a child and the gratitude of a person who by no means thought he’d be there.

“The one purpose I’m sporting my orange jacket tonight is as a result of I simply can’t take this factor off,” Hixon mentioned.

Hixon, who led Amherst School to twenty NCAA tournaments, seven Ultimate Fours, and two nationwide titles in 42 years, grew to become the third coach in NCAA historical past to surpass the 800-win mark.

He completed his profession with two Nationwide Coach of the 12 months awards, 5 convention Coach of the 12 months nods, and eight convention titles.

With fellow New England legends Jim Calhoun and John Calipari by his facet, Hixon shared how honored he’s to symbolize Amherst School, the New England Small School Athletic Convention, and Division 3 on such a grand stage.

Hixon, who additionally performed at Amherst and mapped out his teaching profession whereas doing so, proudly mirrored on all he and people round him achieved collectively.

“We created one thing actually particular,” Hixon informed the viewers. “The friendships, bonds, and lifelong relationships.”

Hixon, 70, thanked his members of the family for his or her unwavering assist, noting that his mother and father had been certainly smiling down. He thanked his gamers for giving him the privilege of teaching them.

He famous how actually unbelievable it’s to be acknowledged among the many “gods of the sport.”

Hixon entered the enterprise to alter lives, and that’s what he did.

“My story is a 50-year love affair with a faculty and sport,” he mentioned.