After a hiatus I'm glad to be back with you and I have a fantastic guest today on the podcast today: Coach Konrad Ernst with the Oxford Charger Wrestling team. This conversation was actually recorded last November. Yeah, I know. It's been a while. But this was with only a short bit into the season and he and his athletes were figuring out each other and what Charger Wrestling could be. Turns out, they had an incredible first season. Five of his wrestlers made it to the finals in their weight cla...
Aug 21, 2023•44 min•Ep. 30
After a hiatus I'm glad to be back with you and I have a fantastic guest today on the podcast today. If you have had a kid at either Central Elementary or Oxford High then you're probably a bit familiar with SRO Officer Zach Anderson. Officer Anderson has been working with law enforcement for over 18 years but has found true enjoyment working with our schools, the kids, and their families. Zach talks about his childhood and military experience before joining the Tupelo Police Dept, his move to O...
Jul 10, 2023•42 min•Ep. 29
On this episode we have the Oxford High's new principal Dr. Dana Bullard. Dr. Bullard came to Oxford after stints at Corinth High School and Aberdeen High School. Dr. Bullard has also worked in Jackson with the Mississippi Department of Education for a while after teaching in the classroom for many years. In our conversation Dr. Bullard shares a bit about her own experiences before coming to Oxford, how she sees the impact invested teachers have on the lives of students, and we discuss the poten...
Mar 23, 2023•49 min•Ep. 28
On today's episode we have the Oxford High's John Davenport . Mr. Davenport has been with the school district over 22 years now leading the theater department. He teaches classes as well as directing/producing multiple performances each year. Mr. Davenport was OSD Employee of the year in 2018. In this conversation we talk about what caused him to pursue theater, what brought him to Oxford High School, and the journey of the last 22 years. He talks of the selection process of the many plays, the ...
Nov 01, 2022•56 min•Ep. 27
The Oxford School District has a unique staffing structure where we have two athletic/activities directors. I'm not sure there's another district in the state with the same setup. On this episode of the Oxford Charger Podcast I sit down with Tabitha Beard and Chris Baughman to talk about their journey from the softball/baseball fields into athletics administration and their hopes & dreams for the near future. They also discuss the new sports and coaches we've recently added to the district a...
Oct 17, 2022•53 min•Ep. 26
Welcome back to another episode of the charger podcast. We’ve been on a brief hiatus with summertime and the busyness of school getting started back. But we’re ready for the school year ahead and have a few interviews already lined up BUT… if you have any ideas for who might be a great guest, please be sure to reach out to me on the socials. @chargerpodcast Today we welcome back Mr. Roberson, our Superintendent who is now in his 2nd year of leading the district. We talk about what he learned abo...
Sep 25, 2022•44 min•Ep. 25
This episode we have Coach Kyle Long. Coach Long is in his first year as Softball HC after 12 years at the helm of East Central in Hurley, MS where he saw lots of success. The softball season has been a good year so far as the Chargers went undefeated in district play. The team is excited for the upcoming postseason. So listen in As always, be sure to follow along on the socials at @ChargerPodcast, and send any feedback, suggestions, and ideas to blake@chargerpodcast.com and subscribe to us in y...
Apr 09, 2022•28 min•Ep. 24
Welcome back to the first episode of the 2022. I get to sit down with Oxford Middle School Principal Audra Rester. Mrs. Rester has been with the Oxford School District for eight years and served thousands of students and families and teachers. As she is close to retiring from OSD in a few months, she looks back at what brought her in to education, how she measures success as an administrator, and what's unique and special about Oxford to her and her family. Be sure to subscribe. Leave a rating/r...
Feb 12, 2022•50 min•Ep. 23
This episode we have Coach Cade Hoggard. Coach Hoggard is an OG Charger and returns to Oxford to take over the head coaching duties from Coach Baughman. Coach Hoggard had an illustruius career at OHS and went on to play college ball at Mississippi State and Delta State. He's coached at Olive Branch and Amory before coming back to Oxford. During the conversation he speaks on what he learned about coaching from Coach Polk & Coach Kennison, what it means to be back as the coach of his old team,...
Nov 16, 2021•36 min•Ep. 22
This episode we have Coach Hunter Crane of the Boys & Girls soccer teams. Coach Crane has been a part of Charger Soccer now for seven years and is looking forward to a challenging but rewarding season. Both of his teams have high expectations in a Region stacked with Tupelo, Starkville, and Grenada. As always, be sure to follow along on the socials at @ChargerPodcast, and send any feedback, suggestions, and ideas to blake@chargerpodcast.com and subscribe to us in your favorite app!...
Nov 10, 2021•38 min•Ep. 21
This week we have Pratt Wilkinson & Andrew Martin from the Oxford Charger Booster Club on to talk about this weekend's big fundraiser, Boosters & Blues. This once a year event directly benefits Charger Athletics & Activities by supplementing the team budgets throughout the year. If you'd like to attend this weekend's event visit https://t.co/gNSexqvzzD or any of the Booster Club's social media accounts (@ChargerBooster on Twitter, @OxfordChargerBoosterClub on Insta, and Oxford Charge...
Aug 05, 2021•21 min•Ep. 20
In this episode we have Heather Lenard with us. Heather Lenard is the Public Information Officer for the Oxford Public Schools and has been with the district for three and a half years. She speaks specifically about the Return To Learn plan for the OSD as well as what all goes into her job in keeping the public informed about all that's going on and upcoming with the district. Then she talks a bit about her own high school experiences and why she loves her job as much as she does. Be sure to fol...
Jul 29, 2021•42 min•Ep. 19
In this episode we sit down with Robert Gonzalez, head coach of the boys and girls Charger Swim teams. Coach Gonzalez has been the swim coach for six years and has seen continual growth in his program resulting in state records, state champions and lots of expectations for the future. Be sure to follow along on the socials at @ChargerPodcast, and send any feedback, suggestions, and ideas to blake@chargerpodcast.com and subscribe to us in your favorite app!
Jul 10, 2021•32 min•Ep. 18
Bradley Roberson was recently named the new superintendent of the Oxford School District. Mr. Roberson has served in the district already as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent. He's very familiar with the district already and looking forward to continuing to keep things trending upward. Listen in as we talk about what he sees as challenges the district faces, his goals for the near future, and what makes Oxford a unique school district. Be sure to subscr...
Jun 30, 2021•44 min•Ep. 17
The AVID program at the Oxford School District strives to prepare students for for year universities and the real world. I was able to sit down with Lauren Lauzon, AVID Coordinator to learn about the program and what they do to help Charger students set big goals for themselves and create a plan to set them on a path for success beyond the high school years. Mrs. Lauzon is also the Cheer Coach for the Chargers and a busy wife/mom. Listen in and learn about the program. And for more info you can ...
Feb 17, 2021•33 min•Ep. 16
Noah Hamilton came to Oxford High as principal in the Fall of 2019 after serving school districts on the Mississippi coast and Northeast Mississippi. He sits down with us to talk about his background in teaching/coaching before becoming a principal, what he saw as both opportunities and goals for the Oxford High job, and how he hopes that OHS can equip students for the real world after graduation, whether that's college, the work force, or life in general. Be sure to subscribe. Leave a rating/re...
Dec 18, 2020•53 min•Ep. 15
Wer'e here in fall of 2020 and Chris Patton's Cross Country teams are just weeks away from the State Meet in Jackson. In this episode of The Oxford Charger Podcast you'll hear a quick update on Coach's summer wedding, and then we delve into his guys and girls running Cross Country this season. The state meet is just a few weeks away, and he talks through how he structures his training and season in order for his runners to be performing their best by that time Patton also talks through what a re...
Oct 16, 2020•34 min•Ep. 14
Last time Coach Cutcliffe was on the pod his team had just won the 6A State Championship. We recorded this interview Sunday night as his team looks forward to their third game of the season. So his coaching staff has two games under their belt so far. In today’s conversation you’ll hear 3 big things from Coach Cut. What he has learned about his team so far through practice, competition and games. What a typical weekly schedule looks like for his coaching staff. The recruiting process and how he ...
Sep 23, 2020•35 min•Ep. 13
In this episode we sit down with Hunter Crane, head coach of both the boys and girls Charger Soccer teams. Coach Crane has been the head girls coach for five years and this year takes over the boys program as well. We hear of his transition into this dual role, what he's learned about his boys' team over the summer, and the expectations for this off season as they prepare for winter soccer with both teams. He also mentions the impact the Charger Booster Club has had on his programs as well as Ch...
Sep 05, 2020•29 min•Ep. 12
In this episode we hear form our new volleyball coach, Ashley Martin. Coach Martin has been with the team since the spring and is eager to have her girls on the court to start their season next week. Coach Martin talks of her journey into coaching, what she sees in her team, and how she intends to play with speed and energy this season with the Chargers. As always, be sure to find us on the socials at ChargerPodcast. And send us a message with any feedback or folks you'd like to hear on the pod!...
Aug 17, 2020•35 min•Ep. 11
Welcome back for another episode of the Charger Podcast! In today's episode I get to sit down with Justin Ware, head athletic trainer for all Charger Athletics. Justin has been with the School District working with our athletes for six years now. Justin talks of what drew him to the field of athletic training, the ways he assists all of the teams at both practices and competitions, and the importance of all schools having a designated athletic trainer to serve the teams and help get the kids bac...
Aug 07, 2020•27 min•Ep. 10
In today’s episode we have a conversation with Coach Drew Tyler, head coach of the Charger Basketball team. Coach Tyler has been coaching with the team for 28 years now, 24 of those as head coach. Coach Tyler talks of growing up the son of an SEC head football coach and what he learned from his dad, Bob Tyler. Coach Tyler shares the importance of giving it your all each day, and gives a brief look at the new guys on the team. He also talks of how he speaks with colleges who are recruiting his pl...
Aug 01, 2020•50 min•Ep. 9
In today's episode we hear from Coach Tabirha Beard. Coach Beard has been the Charger Softball Coach for four seasons now and now is entering her fifth year with the school district. Coach Beard talks of her own introduction to Fast Pitch and eventually into teaching/coaching. She discusses what she wants her teams to be known for and the bright future she believes her squad has. Coach Beard is also an Associate Athletic Director for school district and works with Coach Cutcliff and Mr. Martin t...
Jul 21, 2020•32 min•Ep. 8
In this episode we sit down with Charger S&C Coach Jason Wilfawn. Coach Wilfawn has coached athletes from the middle school level up to Southeaster Conference Football weightrooms. He has been a part of the Charger Family for just over four years now as he trains guys and girls at both OHS and OMS. We hear of his journey into coaching and how he ended up a Charger, plus we learn of his training philosophies. He tells of his take on sports specialization and diversifying along multiple sports...
Jul 08, 2020•37 min•Ep. 7
In this episode we talk with Mike Martin, Athletics & Activities Director for the Oxford School District. Mr. Martin has been a part of OSD for thirteen years and in education for about 40 years. He talks of what it takes to lead a top notch program like the Oxford Chargers and the challenges he faces as he and the coaches work together to be as successful as possible. Mr. Martin also speaks of the relationship the district has with the Charger Booster Club. Be sure to follow along on the so...
Mar 28, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 6
In today's episode we hear from Coach Hunter Crane. Coach Crane has been the girls' soccer coach at Oxford High for the past five seasons. His teams have won the 5A title twice and won their region and advanced to the playoffs each year in 6A. Coach Crane talks of his journey into coaching after pursuing pharmacy school, coaching boys and girls teams, and how he helps his teams build unity. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite app and share the podcast with one other person this week. And if yo...
Feb 19, 2020•56 min•Ep. 5
Today's episode we hear from Coach Cliff Ormon , head Girls Basketball Coach at Oxford High School. Coach Ormon has been with Oxford High for five years and likes for his teams to be known for grit and tenacity. Coach Ormon grew up in Hickory Flatt and coached at a number of smaller schools throughout north Mississippi before coming to Oxford. He and his wife Heather and their two kids truly enjoy being a part of the Oxford Community. So listen in to this episode as we get a deeper looking into ...
Feb 06, 2020•35 min•Ep. 4
Today's episode we hear from Coach Chris Baughman, head Baseball Coach at Oxford High School. Coach Baughman has coached many of his teams to the state title and brought home the gold and produced a number of college baseball players. He came to Oxford from Amory, MS and has been a part of Oxford since his college years. So listen in to this episode as we get a deeper looking into the Coach Baughman's story. And be sure to subscribe so you'll be able to listen to all future episodes as well. Rem...
Jan 29, 2020•42 min•Ep. 3
On this episode of The Oxford Charger Podcast Blake Thompson sits down with Chris Patton to hear about the Charger Cross Country and Track & Field programs. He also talks about his path to becoming a teacher and head coach at Oxford and what's different about coaching athletes who compete individually. So listen in to this episode as we get a deeper looking into the Coach Patton's athletes and the man who keeps everything running smoothly. And be sure to subscribe so you'll be able to listen...
Jan 22, 2020•41 min•Ep. 2
On the first episode of The Oxford Charger Podcast Blake Thompson sits down with Chris Cutcliffe to hear about the 2019 Football season and the journey to the 2019 State Title. He also talks about his path to becoming a teacher and head coach at Oxford and what's unique about living/working in Oxford, Mississippi. So listen in to this episode as we get a deeper looking into the Charger Football program as well as the man at the helm. And be sure to subscribe so you'll be able to listen to future...
Jan 16, 2020•41 min•Ep. 1
