DIXFIELD — A new observation tower at Dirigo High School football field in Harlow Park was recently dedicated to the late Dave Cox, a longtime coach.

Athletic Director Charlie Swan said the new tower is three times the size of the one it replaced, which was donated by John Holmes. It includes three sections and houses the game clock and announcing booth.

Cox, who past away following a battle with cancer, was highly respected for his work throughout the River Valley, Swan said.

Cox was a teacher, coach, official and administrator.  He served 17 years as a teacher at the Peru Elementary School and 4½ years as an administrator. For the last six months of his  life, Cox cherished his dream job as principal at Dirigo High School,  Swan said.

In November 2009, after a state football championship by the Cougars, Mark Thompson approached Swan and suggested a new tower be built.  Swan agreed and Thompson volunteered to head up the project.

 “A project of this magnitude usually requires one special individual,” Swan said. “For this, Mark Thompson is that person because he went above and beyond. He put in countless hours planning, organizing and building this tower. Without Mark’s dedication and efforts this would have never happened.”

Cox’s sister, Janet Conant, donated a substantial sum in her brother’s memory, Swan said.

Last spring, the old tower was torn down and a cement pad was poured. Harry Smith, owner of Custom Construction, designed the tower.

“Janet’s donation actually got things going,” Thompson said.

Craftsmen, businesses and individuals contributed to the project.

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