Jenks Boys Cross Country Is Ready to Turn Heads

By: Brayden Dodson

Jenks Cross Country is confident and ready to change the narrative. Assistant coach Michael Daniels and head coach James Strahorn are ready to push their team and are adamant that Jenks Cross Country could surprise people and make a push for a state title. Jenks Cross Country has had struggles on the men’s side as their last title came almost a decade ago in 2015.

Daniels, a seasoned vet, has been at Jenks for 12 Years split between the Middle School and High School. His coaching methods are what any athlete is looking for in an assistant coach or any coach.

“I think it is a relationship based… you gotta have a good relationship [with the players] and the better relationship that you have, then the kids will be more adapted to respond, ” said Daniels. “You gotta take it one meet and practice at a time cause anything can happen… You gotta pay attention to how the kids are looking, how they are feeling and engage with them; ask questions.”

The Men's side of the track team has had a rough go the past couple years; Coach Daniels takes note of that and is adamant that the Men’s team will go to state. Daniels is also sure that the Men's side will shock some people when the State Meet arrives.

“Unfortunately the Men's side didn't make it to state [last year]. I am confident that the guys will make it to state, I am also confident that they will all run well,” said Daniels. 

Head Coach James Stahorn is proud of his team, and in particular of how the men’s side has come together and shown what they are capable of. Strahorn also believes that if both his girls team and boys team wins state it wouldn't be shocking.

“I wouldn’t say we are the favorites, but these kids just have to have the right things happen for that to take place,” said Strahorn. “I think it would be more of a change of direction on the perception of the culture in the entirety of our program. It’s just a matter of time until we are back to having that winning standard.”

Coach Strahorn is a good head coach, he understands his kids and knows how to push them to the next level. He is also determined to get them to the next level.

“This is not an easy thing to do either, but all year long we have done that, and I'm looking forward to doing it a few more times this season,” said Strahorn.

Overall even though Jenks Cross Country has been in a little drought in the State Title department, the coaching staff believes and is adamant that Jenks Cross Country will make a good fight towards a state title. They will get there with good coaching and determination, and get back to that winning standard. 

Go cheer on our cross country team at state at 9:30 AM Edmond Santa Fe, on November 2nd.