Bio

Coach Hightower became the Athletic Director in August of 2024, and has also been the Head Baseball Coach since August 2018. As Athletic Director, Coach Hightower oversees seven sports and close to 140 student athletes.

The spring 2024 season concluded Coach Hightower’s sixth year at the helm for John Wood Baseball. The Spring 2021 season was one of many hi-lights for the program. It included playing for the region championship and falling 2 wins short of a World Series birth, 4 All MWAC Gold Glovers, 2 All MWAC first team performers, 2 All Region team performers, and the Freshman of the year in the MWAC conference (Lucas Loos). It also included a team record of 61 home runs and an individual record of 26 doubles (Lucas Loos).

Coach Hightower has been consistent in helping guys move on to play at 4 year universities. Players have moved on to schools at all levels, including NCAA division 1 schools. “The goal is help kids find the right fit when it is time to leave here; both athletically and academically. I think we have shown the ability to do that.”

Prior to becoming the Head Coach, Hightower assisted Coach Greg Wathen for 3 years, including being the Field Manager for the Quincy Gems in the summer of 2017. Coach Hightower was familiar with the Blazer Baseball program prior to his coaching career. He played for Coach Wathen at John Wood during the 2009-10 school year, where you can find Hightower’s name in the single season record books. Hightower concluded his playing career at Quincy University where he played for former big leaguer Josh Rabe for three years.

Coach Hightower married Daryle Hightower in the fall of 2014. They have 4 boys, Leo (9), Brooks (6), Hampton (4), and Emmitt (2).