Magnolia High School Blue Eagle multiple-sport standout Justin Fox, seated at middle, signs a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic careers at West Virginia University. Fox has accepted a scholarship to play baseball as he pursues a degree in fish and wildlife biology or wildlife and fisheries. Also seated are his parents, Jeff and Jill Fox. Standing, from left, are, Magnolia Head Football Coach Mark Batton and MHS Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar. (Photo by Bruce Crawford)

Magnolia High School 2011 graduate Justin “Tank” Fox will continue his academic and athletic interests at West Virginia University as a baseball scholar as he pursues a degree in fish and wildlife biology or wildlife and fisheries. During his Blue Eagle career, Fox lettered in baseball all four years and was team captain in his junior and senior seasons.

He was elected captain of the All-State Class-AA in baseball and football, as well as the OVAC Class-AAA in baseball and football during his senior year.

This multi-sport athlete had a mind-boggling career batting average of .460, with 14 home runs and 108 runs. In pitching, he was 22-5 with eight saves and an ERA of 1.72 in 179 innings pitched. He also was 70-26, winning 73 percent of his games

During his senior season, Fox was 40-64 for a .625 bating average. He scored 31 runs, was walked 15 times, and knocked in 32 RBIs. Once he was on the bases, Fox was perfect, successfully stealing all 12 attempts. On the mound, he was 6-1 in 45 innings for an ERA of 1.40 with nine walks. He struck out 85-batters and had one save.

Last season, Fox played Legion baseball in Moundsville, while preparing for his senior season in football, where he guided Magnolia to its second Class-AA state football championship. But, he still found time to go to baseball camps in Harrisburg, Va.; Tuscon, Ariz.; and Orlando Fla.

“All of his achievements he earned with hard work and self discipline,” said Magnolia Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar. “Justin just had a great attitude, whether it was an indoors or outdoors practice or after practice, he had an exceptional work ethic. He likes the game and it has been an extreme pleasure to have coached him for four years,” added Cisar.

“In addition, Justin has been a terrific role model in school and on the diamond. Justin had several schools wanting him to come play baseball, but as soon as WVU showed interest, it was no doubt he was going to be a Mountaineer and wear the same blue and gold school colors as Magnolia. He was recruited as an infielder, and since he is such a versatile player, it will help him get playing time early, With his work ethic, it will help him in the college game.”

In football, Fox received the 2010 Harrison H. Kennedy Award, presented annually to the top high school gridder in West Virginia.

Fox has rewritten the record books at MHS.

He surpassed the great Todd Morris in most completions, (414-342), attempts (785-675), and yards passed (6,645-5,291). He also vaulted over two-time Kennedy Award winner Mark Cisar in most touchdowns, a career 68-64.

He will go down in history as the winningest quarterback in the state, prevailing in 45-53 games out of a possible 56 games. He also ran for 176 yards in 2010 with nine touchdowns.

Fox was 71-80 in PATs this past season and has split the uprights 152-171 in his career that included 10-21 field goals. As a punter, Fox has punted 95 times for a total of 2,906 yards, or an average of 30.6 per punt. His longest punt traveled 56 yards. He has kicked off 225 times for 10,561 yards.

Fox never came off the field, either. He was the quarterback, the punter, kicker, kick and punt returner, and cover corner on defense, too. On defense, Fox led the team in interceptions with six that included two in the state finale.

“It has been a pleasure to have been Justin’s coach,” said Head Football Coach Mark Batton. “He is a fine athlete as well as a person and I’m excited for him. He has always wanted to play at WVU and I’m just ecstatic that I have been part of his life for four years as his football coach.”

Fox also played and lettered on the varsity basketball team during his freshman season.

With a 3.5 GPA, Fox also excelled in academics. He has been a member of the Torchbearers Club, Young Life, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has helped with the Esther Crumbley Food Drive. He is a member of the Lighthouse Church and has spoke openly about his faith in God.

When Fox isn’t playing baseball and football, he is either in the woods hunting or at the river fishing.

Justin is the son of Jeff and Jill Fox of New Martinsville. He is the grandson of Neil and Rosemary Fox of Paden City and Ed Hood and the late Ann Hood of Paden City. Fox.