Chip Gayden is the new coach of the recently resurrected Meridian Community College Cross Country and Track teams. He is currently recruiting for the 2014 school year when MCC will
start competing.
MS Milesplit: Welcome to Meridian Chip please tell us a little about yourself.
Coach Gayden: Well as an athlete I ran track in High School. I competed in the 400 meters, 300 intermediate Hurdles and ran a leg on the 4X400 relay. I competed for Christian Brothers in Memphis, Tennesse. But when I decided to go to Ole Miss I did not compete but instead worked on a Jounalism Degree. While I was there I served first as a Team Manager then later I began coaching track at Christian Brothers. I would go to class until noon most days then starting on Thursday I would drive back to Memphis to Coach. I had sent the workouts for the athletes I was working with back to the head coach for them to do on Monday - Wednesday. After Graduation I worked as Assistant Coach at Ole Miss and then Assistant Coach at Iowa Central CC where I coached the Cross Country Team and worked with the 400 meter runners, While there we won the Junior College National Cross Country Championships. Then I moved to Memphis as the Volunteer Assistant Sprint Coach.
MS Milesplit: Tell us about what is in the future now that you are here at MCC.
Coach Gayden: Currently I am visiting Cross Country meets to recruit runner and will do the same this spring for Track. I want everyone to know if you want to run you are welcome at MCC fo course all of the Lauderdale County athletes can run and use the free tutution available from MCC. Next fall the Cross Country team will practice at the different city parks to take advantage of the different types of terrain available.
MS Milesplit: What about the track?
Coach Gayden: The track is being updated and should be finalized no later than June or July. Local teams will be welcome to come and use the facility as it made available.
MS Milesplit: Now what about competition?
Coach Gayden: We will have a full schedule of Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor track. Year around training will be expected of all althletes. Track athletes will have a full fall training schedule. Cross Country athletes that plan to attend MCC next fall will be given a summer workout schedule that they are expected to follow to be ready when school starts.
MS Milesplit: Thanks Coach and we look forward to hearing from you as you recruit and start to sign athletes.
Video of Coach Gayden at the MCC Track: