Larry Mixon, who coached Sacred Heart baseball for 8 seasons, died of cancer Sunday

Jason Munz, Hattiesburg American Published 9:48 a.m. CT Jan. 28, 2018

Sacred Heart baseball coach Larry Mixon spoke with The Hattiesburg American following his team's first win on the year. Jacob Kemp/Hattiesburg American

Sacred Heart baseball coach Larry Mixon died early Sunday after battling bone cancer for the second time. The school's athletic director, Brian Kern, confirmed the news to the Hattiesburg American.

Mixon, who was 56, led the Crusaders for eight seasons. He led them to a 95-90 overall record, as well as the program's first playoff win in 2014. Sacred Heart advanced to the Class 1A South State semifinals in 2014 and 2015.

Mixon also helped coach the Sacred Heart football team in 2012.

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Blake Moore, who played for Mixon at Sacred Heart before working with him soon after, took to Twitter to mourn the loss.

Just found out that my high school baseball coach, Larry Mixon, passed away this morning from cancer. He coached me since I was in 8th grade and hired me as an assistant coach for Sacred Heart as soon as I graduated.(1/3)
— Blake Moore (@Balakaymoore) January 28, 2018

His dedication and love to and for his team and the game of baseball will continue to show even as his physical life has ended. I love you so much, Coach Mixon and will miss you. (3/3)
— Blake Moore (@Balakaymoore) January 28, 2018

Larry Doleac also expressed his sentiments on social media following Mixon's death.

Just heard SHS Baseball Coach Larry Mixon passed away over night. Worked closely with him on constructing Baseball facilities at SH. No one worked harder for those kids. He loved his players. He will be missed. Prayers for his family!! My sympathies to them.
— larry doleac (@larrydoleac) January 28, 2018

Sacred Heart is scheduled to open the 2018 season on Feb. 23 versus Lamar Christian at Perry Central High.