Cox announces retirement as New Kent High School varsity baseball coach; JV coach Kuper named as replacement

Ronnie Cox, the longtime varsity baseball coach at New Kent High School, is stepping down from the position. Michael Kuper, last season’s JV coach who is a New Kent graduate and played baseball for the Trojans during his high school career, has been elevated to the varsity post.

Cox has served as head varsity coach for 14 seasons and has been involved with New Kent’s baseball program for 19 years, starting out as an assistant and coaching on the JV level. His 2013 team won the Bay Rivers District regular season title, and the 2014 edition advanced to the regional semifinals before falling to eventual state champ Loudoun Valley.

Cox remains as New Kent’s varsity boys basketball head coach. He said he arrived at his decision to retire from baseball this summer, citing that coaching two varsity-level sports “creates increasing demands on my other personal and professional commitments.”

In an e-mail, Cox said, “It was quite a pleasure to be associated with the hundreds of players, parents, officials and support people who participated formally and informally in the program during my tenure.

“I have many very fond memories working with the young men. I am quite proud of how they represented our community. I was also able to build quality relationships with so many people.”

As for the varsity program going forward, he said, “I am sure Michael will do a great job now with the team.”