Johnson Adds Rush Hixon to Chipola Baseball Staff

Chipola College’s Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Johnson, has announced the addition of Rush Hixon to his staff. As an assistant coach for the Indians, Hixon will serve as the Recruiting Coordinator.

Rush Hixon comes to Chipola after two seasons as the head baseball coach at Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy, AL. Hixon's teams won Alabama Independent School Association State Championships in each year of his tenure with a combined record of 60-11. Hixon coached multiple players who moved on to play college baseball including three NCAA D1 athletes. Prior to Pike Liberal, Hixon was a student assistant coach under Mark Smartt at Troy University.  

Hixon began his coaching career in the summer travel baseball circuit with Troy Post 70, an American Legion Baseball program in Alabama. After a season as an assistant in 2016, he became the head coach in 2017. During his six-year tenure with Post 70, the team won the Alabama state championship every year and nearly every player signed to college baseball teams including 15 that moved on to NCAA D1 schools and two that were drafted by Major League teams.

Hixon began his collegiate playing career as a freshman at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, in Andalusia, AL where Hixon posted a 5-1 record in 34.1 innings of work. During his sophomore year, he played for former Chicago White Sox pitcher, Larry Thomas, at Central Alabama Community College and was a member of the All-Region and All-Conference teams. With a 1.000 fielding percentage, he was also awarded the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings NJCAA Division I Gold Glove at pitcher.

Hixon finished his playing career with his hometown team, Troy University. Hixon's versatility on the mound allowed him to perform multiple roles for the Trojans. In 50 appearances over two seasons, Hixon started eight times and finished his career with a 5-5 record over 99.2 innings, an ERA of 4.06, and six saves.

“We're very proud to have Rush as a part of our staff here at Chipola,” says Coach Johnson. “He has had a history of winning championships at the high school and American Legion Baseball levels even at such a young age. I believe the experience he brings with young players will translate into success for our student-athletes. He is a young man of outstanding character and class and has a great future in collegiate baseball.”