Johnson adds Rush Hixon to baseball staff

Chipola Baseball head 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, a private school in Troy, Alabama.

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: Mayes White (Florida State/UAB); Drew Nelson (Auburn); and Cason Eubanks (Georgia Southern). He also won two state championships in football as an assistant coach in 2020 and head coach in 2021. In December 2021, Hixon became the school's Athletic Director.

Prior to Pike Liberal, Hixon was a student assistant coach in the 2020 season at his alma mater, Troy University, under head coach Mark Smartt. Working under pitching coach Matt Hancock, currently Rehab Pitching Coordinator with the San Diego Padres, Hixon's responsibilities included assisting with drills for pitchers, developing scouting reports, serving as bullpen coach, and working with Trackman and Rapsodo technologies. Fourth round draft pick of the San Diego Padres, Levi Thomas, was a member of the Troy pitching staff that season. 

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 has won the Alabama state championship every year and nearly every player signed to college baseball teams including fifteen that moved on to NCAA D1 schools and two that were drafted by Major League Baseball teams.

After high school, Hixon began his collegiate playing career at two different NJCAA schools in Alabama. He played his freshman season at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, in Andalusia, Alabama, under longtime head coach Steve Helms. At LBW, Hixon posted a 5-1 record in 34.1 innings of work. He played for former Chicago White Sox pitcher, Larry Thomas, at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, Alabama for his sophomore season. At CACC, Hixon was a member of the All-Region and All-Conference teams with a team-leading 8-1 record and 1.50 ERA. 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, following his junior college playing days. 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. 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." - Coach Jeff Johnson 

Rush Hixon Coaching Timeline