By: Anthony Garzilli
Hardeeville Today

Greg Cox’s stint as Hardeeville High’s varsity girls’ basketball coach has ended.

Jasper County School District interim superintendent John Taylor said on Friday afternoon that Cox will no longer be the Hurricanes’ coach.

“Given the facts, I don’t think I had much choice,” said Taylor, who noted he sent Cox a formal letter on Wednesday notifying him of his decision.

Cox, who will remain as a driver’s education teacher at both campuses, had been suspended indefinitely by Taylor for his role in a Dec. 4 verbal altercation with Ridgeland coach Frederick Toomer.

Cox, who coached the Hurricanes to the state final last year and in two regular-season games this season, can appeal the decision to the school board through a grievance process. He will have to send a letter to the board informing it of his decision. The board will then decide if it will hear the appeal.

There is a regular board meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 11, but it is unlikely an appeal will be heard before that meeting.

Taylor said he based his decision “on what happened at the (Dec. 4) game, two conversations with (Cox) and his actions since the suspension.”

Those actions include Cox’s alleged violation of the suspension agreement.

The agreement stated that Cox could not attend Hardeeville games or practices.

The Hurricanes played three games at the Colleton County Christmas Tournament, Dec. 28-30. According to Colleton County High administrative assistant Ricky Haynes, who handled admissions at the tournament, decided to not let Cox enter on Dec. 28 after he was made aware of Cox’s suspension.

Cox allegedly attended the Dec. 30 game.

Tonya Strobridge will continue as Hardeeville coach. According to Hardeeville High Athletics Director Blake Raley, Strobridge is not a certified teacher, so Raley will continue to be on the Hurricanes’ bench.

“I was hoping this might have been resolved in another way,” Taylor said.

A message left on Cox’s cell phone had not been returned as of press time.