Something special is happening in Mooreland, Oklahoma. It’s more than just a high school cross country team. It’s a family. Under the guidance of Coach Hoover, the Mooreland boys and girls cross country teams have built a tradition of excellence, not just in medals and championships, but in unity, discipline, and heart. Coach Hoover knows about building character and overcoming adversity. When an unexpected illness ended her collegiate cross country career her focus shifted. “God opened new doors and set me on the coaching path. I’ll always credit those mentors for shaping who I am today.”
Coach Hoover has led countless athletes to the podium. Mooreland has seen state medalists, champions, and even record holders. Her favorite coaching memory was the 2018 state champion boys team. To sweeten the championship, it was the same year that one of her mentors, Roxi Bratcher’s Boise City girls team won a state title. But it’s never just about the stopwatch and hardware “Success in cross country comes down to hard work, discipline, and unity,” she says. “You can’t fake the miles. You have to commit to the process and embrace the grind.”
That process is what sets Mooreland apart. Training is intense, with hard days pushing athletes to their limits, followed by focused recovery to rebuild stronger. There’s a sense of purpose in every workout and a shared goal that bonds runners together. When one athlete improves, the entire team improves.
Parents, athletes, and alumni all buy into the program. They show up to meets, cheer at the finish line, and support runners through every mile. It’s a tradition that turns teammates into lifelong friends and transforms a team into something much larger, a family. The Mooreland cross country culture makes the sport feel bigger than competition. It’s about accountability, shared sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Even with the sport’s demanding nature, there’s a balance. Coach Hoover creates an environment that is both serious and relaxed. Runners are expected to work hard, but they’re also encouraged to enjoy the journey. It’s this culture that makes athletes want to return, year after year, not just to compete, but to give back.
The legacy runs deep in Mooreland, and the bonds formed on this team last long after the final race is run. The Mooreland Cross Country program is a reminder that real strength comes from unity. That’s the foundation Coach Hoover has built. Mooreland boys and girls cross county teams are where success is shared, struggles are overcome together, and every mile is run with purpose.
