Panther coach inducted into high school’s Hall of Fame
HPU head baseball coach, Craig Cozart.
By Patrick Budd
High Point University baseball head coach Craig Cozart enjoys talking about his prep-school playing days in Orlando, Fla. at The Master’s Academy, and striking out guys like Mike Lowell while pitching in college.
So when his alma mater was looking for candidates to induct into its inaugural Hall of Fame class, his unprecedented resume as a player seemed to be a no-brainer.
“My time at the Master’s Academy was a big part to who I am today,” Cozart said. “My parents made unbelievable sacrifices for me to attend school there.”
On January 9, 2012 Cozart was inducted to TMA’s Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance as a pitcher. During his time there, he complied an overall ERA of 1.25 and struck out 396. He threw a complete game as a freshman, and earned four all-conference awards.
Cozart says that his induction was a tribute to his parents. His dad was the head coach of his team.
“It’s very humbling, the amount of respect that TMA has given me has been unbelievable,” Cozart said, “I thank everyone that gave me this opportunity.”
Cozart, who decided to forgo a career in the majors after being drafted twice, dedicated his career to coaching.
He spent 12 years as an assistant coach at University of Central Florida before coming to HPU in 2008.
Cozart has coached 40 players that have earned MLB contracts.