Eyes On The Court: Larry Cox’s Dedication as the Fair Grove Volleyball Line Judge

Photo taken by Isabel Bruner

Larry Cox calling an out by lifting a red flag into the air during the Fair Grove Varsity Volleyball game against the Diamonds. Fair Grove won with a score of 3-2. On the bench (from left to right) is Kaylee Adamson (12), Lindsay Hulette (10), Taylor Waltz (10), Addyson Nunley (12), and Kenna Fishback (12).

Larry Cox is the Fair Grove Varsity Volleyball Line Judge. He started line judging for volleyball in the 2000s when his daughter, Tonya Peck, became the head volleyball coach, and he hasn’t stopped since.

Cox has been an MSHA Certified Official with the Southwest Missouri Volleyball Officials Association since 2012. Even with this career, his love for volleyball and the volleyball team is why he said he chooses to be part of the volleyball program. 

In addition, Cox has loved watching all of the girls over the years, especially his granddaughter, Kynlee Peck (11). Cox also said he tries to stay in touch with everyone after graduation, including their families.

Cox mentioned that the line judge is the best seat in the gym. He continued,“I think I was put there so I would have to be quiet.”

Cox has three grandchildren in the Fair Grove school district. Karis Peck (8) and Kynlee Peck (11), as well as Creed Peck (3). Although Cox doesn’t live in the Fair Grove area, he believes that the community has become like a family to him.

Kynlee, Cox’s granddaughter, said, “Him being able to come and support all of our games and be able to stay involved in reffing is so great for him. I love being able to spend more time with him.” 

Sofee Garrett (12) expressed that Cox is important to Fair Grove because of his dedication to not only the volleyball team but also the school. She explained, “He is a great guy who is always there to support his family and be an amazing grandpa. I am so grateful he got to line up our whole season of Varsity Volleyball.”

Garrett added, “I joke with him by saying not to mess up, but I would never hold that against him…I think he knows it. We all love him a lot and I will miss him!”

Leila Huff (12) said, “Larry has one of the kindest hearts of anyone I know. He was so eager to line judge every single one of our games, home or away, it didn’t matter. He was there cheering us on every game and had a front row seat.” Huff continued to explain that Cox makes everyone feel like his own granddaughter, and he is one of the things she will miss the most about Fair Grove volleyball. 

Tonya stated, “While most schools make the parents of the volleyball athletes do the line judging, my dad (Cox) has been there to take that burden off the Fair Grove parents.” Even when Tonya stepped down in the head coach position, Cox proudly stayed in the role of the varsity line judge because of his love for the team and his granddaughter, Kynlee. 

Tonya stated, “He loves Fair Grove and the young ladies who have gone through the program. He is definitely one of their biggest fans! He is the best dad and line judge out there!”