Enid High School Coach Remembers Austin Box As Top Athlete

Dana Hertneky, News 9

ENID, Oklahoma -- Austin Box was not only a football standout at the University of Oklahoma, but in his hometown of Enid, it seemed everyone knew his name.

As a student at Enid High School, Box was a superstar.

"He was the best athlete I ever coached," said Coach Tommy Parker. Parker was Box's defensive coordinator.  He's now the head coach at Enid High.

"Great kid, great competitor, very respectful, was out of his league in high school football but never showed that side, never big timed anybody, very coachable, very respectable. I loved him I absolutely loved him," Coach Parker said.

The loss was devastating shock to Coach Parker. He was headed to Mercy Hospital, but when he got the news he turned around and headed straight to school to talk to his players.

"I told them that I loved him and that we probably don't say that enough and made them promise to me that they would go home and tell mom and dad and brothers and sisters just how much they cared about them tonight because you never know."

In a statement, Box's parents thanked OU and the community for their prayers and support.

"Austin loved everything about Oklahoma; the people, his hometown of Enid and his many close friends. Most of all, Austin loved his family and we loved him."