Parade shooter charged
February 2, 2016
Gilbert Bergeron
February 3, 2016
A Vandebilt coaching stalwart passed away this week, and those who played for the man remember his charisma and winning ways.
Longtime former Terriers baseball coach Calvin Buxton passed away last Tuesday at his home. He was 58. Services for the longtime coach were held on Saturday at Vandebilt Catholic’s Kolb Center. The coach was survived by his son Chet, daughter Erin and his brother Richard Buxton Jr.
Buxton had ties to Vandebilt dating back to 1984, spending time as a teacher, baseball coach and Athletic Director during his tenure.
In Buxton’s three stints as head baseball coach, the Terriers were twice the state’s runners-up. One other time, the team made the semifinals.
But perhaps Buxton’s biggest impact was his ability to impact all Vandebilt students – athletes or not – during his time as a teacher.
Throughout the week, countless stories poured in about the longtime Terriers coach, each shedding light onto the man that students claim was funny, fun-loving and had a rich passion for everyone he encountered.
Buxton also was an assistant coach for the Terriers’ football team during his tenure.
No cause of death is known at this time, pending an autopsy.
“He was a great guy – a true role model,” former Vandebilt student-athlete Floyd Tarver said. “He was a great teacher and a great coach. He always had us laughing on and off the football and baseball fields. We will miss him, but he had a huge impact on those he encountered.”
The news of Buxton’s passing shocked the close-knit Vandebilt community.
The school announced Buxton’s passing through an email release from Lisa Vegas, the school’s media coordinator.
According to friends of the coach, concern arose about Buxton when folks were not able to get in touch with him last Tuesday morning.
Police were called to the coach’s home where he was found dead.
Immediately after news spread of Buxton’s passing, stories poured through social media of all of the things the coach had done in his time with the school.
As a coach, Buxton led the team to the 1992 and 1996 state finals, while also guiding the Terriers to the semifinals in 2003. His players remember a stern, but fair general who loved the intricacies of baseball.
“I’m proud to have been a member of that 1992 (runner-up) team,” former Terrier Jared LeBoeuf said on social media. “I’m going to miss you, Coach.”
In an interview with the Houma Times in 2011, Buxton said his secret to coaching was simple – passion. He said that he loved baseball deeply and loved Vandebilt even more.
“Baseball is the greatest game in America…,” he said. “And I’m honored to coach it at a place that I love so dearly.”
Away from the playing fields, the coach was popular, as well.
Houma native, former Terriers standout and current college basketball player, Lionheart Leslie said that Buxton’s passing hits hard, because he was a people person who cared for his students.
“He always did things to make it interesting and fun,” Leslie said. “He was someone who you looked forward to seeing every day, because you knew that he was on your side.”
Longtime Lady Terriers basketball coach Kathy Luke said her most vivid memories of Buxton were of his ability to thrive as a teacher. She said he was the best at creating classroom fun.
“Coach Bux was the best at creating fun games in P.E. that the kids loved to play,” Luke said. “His imagination and great sense of humor made P.E. a great experience for his students. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to work with him for 27 years. My prayers are with Chet, Erin and the entire Buxton family…”
“Rest in peace, my friend.” •
