Head coach Chris Patton has spent the last 17 years leading the Oxford boys and girls cross country teams to victory after victory. Under Patton the teams have won the state championship numerous times.

“That’s definitely my highlight [winning state championships] because, you know, that’s something nobody can take away from me,” Patton said.

For Patton, however, the passion comes from the growth and the process of watching his athletes walk off the bus as sixth graders for tryouts and getting to coach them through their senior year.

“That growth period is really important for a kid, and I feel like I can make an impact on kids from 12 years old to 18 years old and that’s a crucial age,” Patton said. “I really enjoy watching how they are as little kids, and young men and women, and finally getting their driver’s license.”

The small improvements are what Patton focuses on for his athletes, encouraging them to make daily improvements that turn into weekly improvements.

“My goal is to help people reach their dreams,” Patton said. “First, you know, on the athletic field, whatever their dream may be, state championship, you know, or, tiny goals. Graduate high school, goal number 2. Graduate college, goal number 3. And then whatever else your career might have for you after that. Those are my goals. And so that’s
what I enjoy most and athletically watching them improve.”

Patton’s goals remain high for the 2024-2025 boys and girls cross country teams. He hopes to have a successful season and for them to carry on the winning tradition.

“Expectations are high and the state championships are in November, so we’re trying to keep everybody healthy and able to peak when it matters,” Patton said.

Patton has runners who lead the pack as captains on both the boys and girls side, junior Maggie Irwin and senior Bailey Kosko.

“We’ve got a really young team, and, of course, we’ve got a superstar, Bailey Kosko, on the boys’ side. Maggie Irwin on the girls’ side,” Patton said. “Speaking of Bailey, last year, he ran sub 15 thirties in the 5k. This year, you know, we’re trying to go sub 15, and only one person has ever done that in Mississippi’s history.”

Irwin has also set her own goals and expectations for her team’s upcoming season.

“ I think it would be great if we could qualify for All-State as a team, and meet the average time requirements together,” Irwin said. “Our team dynamic has been really awesome, and I’d love for that to continue this year. I’m hopeful it will, considering in past years the team really came together.”

Irwin explains that her goals are set because the 2023 season was difficult for her because of an injury.

“This year, I’d like to have more self-esteem and confidence as a runner,” Irwin said. “Getting to see everyone else run [last season] and not being a part of that was very difficult. My main goal is to hopefully run and stay healthy. Being an
upperclassman, I’m just looking to be a morale booster for the rest of the team. Since we have a lot of practices and workouts, it’s really hard to stay consistently motivated because it’s so tiring and draining. So I just want to be someone that’s there for everyone and giving them some encouragement to get through it all.”

Irwin also credits her success and her drive to Patton and his never ending support.

“He’s so patient and willing to be there for everyone,” Irwin said. “I could not imagine myself with another coach. He’s also great at making sure you get everything done. If you need to miss practice, he’s ok with it and will make sure you make up that workout. He’s one of the most supportive people I’ve ever met.”

Senior George Monroe has been running cross country for five years and feels like being a mentor and guide is his most important role on the team.

“Even if I don’t see myself reaching any top positions on the team, running is something that will always be a part of my life, so I’m just trying to get better each and every day,” Monroe said. “I’m trying to do anything that will help our team, even if it doesn’t have to do with running. My role as a senior means I can guide and mentor a lot of the young guys so they can improve. I have pretty high expectations for the team this year. We have a lot of great returning sophomores and great new freshmen. I think the underclassmen are the heart of this team right now. They have the power to take us to the next level this year, and even farther in the forthcoming years.”

What both Irwin and Monroe agree on is that Patton’s leadership is unmatched and the teams would not be the same without him as head coach.

“The team is definitely in good hands,” Monroe said. “Coach Patton knows how to develop young runners and get them excited about this team.”