In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with cross country and 3200m state champion Ford Johnson to reflect on his outstanding running career at MRA.

Ford is a three-time ALL-MAIS XC runner, finishing in the Top 10 in the state in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also ranks No. 6 all-time at MRA in the 5000m with a time of 17:32.40. In the 3200m he holds a Top 4 time of 10:31.85 at the MAIS State Championship meet this season.

We talk about:

His love for running and where it all began

His first-ever race: the 800m

The incredible story of his broken shoes, discovered the night before the 2024 state XC championship—and how athletic tape saved the day

Memories of the MRA Running Club in elementary school

His biggest supporters: his mom, dad, and sister Reese—a state champion pole vaulter in her own right

The deep impact of his XC and distance coach, Trace Walters

All this and more in a packed episode celebrating the legacy and spirit of one of MRA’s finest distance runners.

On this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with Shannon Plunkett, who has served as the team mom for the Patriots over the past two seasons.

She shares how she’s helped create memorable experiences not only for the players, but for the parents as well. From organizing team meals to managing game day logistics, Shannon gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role a team mom plays. Every successful team needs someone like Shannon—someone who handles the details that keep everything running smoothly.

In this special episode of the OCR Lounge, we have a real treat. Jason Scarborough sits down with MRA head basketball coach Richard Duease for an in-depth conversation on the Spirit Media Network.

They discuss Coach Duease’s time at MRA, his decision to take the job, competing against top talent from across the country, and his recent induction into the Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame.

This interview originally aired last week, and we’re excited to share it now with the friends and families of the Patriot community.

Enjoy this special episode!

On this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with MRA assistant football and track coach Matt Walker for a powerful and honest conversation about living with purpose. Coach Walker shares the importance of Maximizing Every Day—a mindset rooted in discipline, consistency, and effort.

We talk about his brother Anson, whose influence helped him see the value in football, lifting weights, and developing a strong foundation for life. Coach Walker opens up about The Walker Lifestyle and the belief that authenticity is one of the greatest powers we have as humans. His message is clear: the only things we can truly control are our attitude and work ethic—so why not go for it with everything you’ve got?

We also dive into his passion for deer hunting and share the fun story of how his daughter became the President of the Deer Slayer Club. From the woods to the weight room, Coach Walker’s drive for success is about much more than wins and losses—it’s about setting realistic goals and asking the simple but powerful question: Did my group improve?

This special Easter Sunday recording is full of wisdom, energy, and encouragement. Tune in to hear from one of MRA’s most impactful coaches and get inspired to maximize every single day.

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with MRA Head Football Coach Herbert Davis.

Coach Davis shares his thoughts on the power of tough love in building a team and opens up about what it was like coaching his own son—who also happened to be QB1—and how special it was to share breakfast together each morning. He reflects on his journey as a kidney transplant survivor, the toll it took on him physically, and how he continued coaching through some of his toughest days. His guiding principle for every team he coaches? Team First.

We talk about all that—and a lot more—in this episode of the OCR Lounge.

In this episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge, we sit down with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach George Adams. Adams is in his 6th year as the head man in the weight room for MRA.

We discuss trends in weight training and speed development, the importance of knowing your role on a team or within an organization, and the balance between trial and error vs. following popular training methods. We also have a short Q & A on some thoughts that parents might have in the S & C world for their kids.

Coach Adams shares insights from his journey, including stops with the Minnesota Vikings, Marshall, and UGA, and how he found his passion for strength and conditioning by accident. At the heart of it all? Family.

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with 2016 graduate Harper Hudnall. Harper shares his journey as a student-athlete at MRA, detailing his experiences playing basketball under the legendary Richard Duease.

He also opens up about how he transitioned into running track at MRA, where he became a school record-setting and state champion hurdler.

Harper reflects on his move from Columbus, MS, to MRA and the impact that shift had on his athletic career. Now, as a coach at his alma mater, Hudnall is giving back to the next generation of athletes, continuing to influence lives in a positive way.

From standout performances on the court and track to his current role as a phenomenal basketball coach for the Patriots, Harper’s journey is one of dedication, leadership, and passion. Tune in to hear how he’s making an impact both on and off the field.

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we’re joined by Sporting Clay State Champion Payton Lockey! Payton shares his journey to becoming a state champion, breaking down key sporting clay terms and reflecting on his first experiences with shooting. We also dive into his plans for the future, including his upcoming time at Texas A&M.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Payton opens up about his life as an MRA lifer, being a Patriot since kindergarten, and the inspiration he draws from his mom’s strength in battling pancreatic cancer. He also shares a touching story about his dad, explaining why he’s not a junior despite sharing the same name. Additionally, Payton talks about his time as a soccer player for the Patriots, rounding out this engaging and heartfelt episode.

Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation with a young man who’s balancing his athletic success, personal challenges, and future ambitions!

Today on the OCR Lounge, we are joined by former Lady Patriots basketball standout, Melissa Jones Haab. A dominant force on the court, Melissa reflects on her time at MRA and the experiences that shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. She shares what it was like playing under legendary coach Richard Duease, how his demanding coaching style pushed the team to success, and the life lessons she took away from that experience.

Melissa also reminisces about the special bond she shared with her sisters, including their walks to school and the lifelong connection they built through sports and family. She emphasizes the importance of having a coach who challenges you—not just to improve your game, but to prepare you for the challenges of life beyond basketball.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and the impact of strong mentors. You won’t want to miss this episode of the OCR Lounge!

In this episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge, we sit down with Melanie Hankins Booth, a 1981 MRA graduate and a 2025 inductee into the MRA Athletic Hall of Fame. A true trailblazer, Melanie was a key member of MRA’s first-ever girls' track and field state championship team, running the second leg of the 4x400m relay that sealed the title in 1981.

Beyond the track, she excelled on the basketball court as a standout for the Lady Pats, even playing under the guidance of her sister as a coach. Melanie shares memories of competition, the tight-knit community at MRA during her time as a student, and the lasting impact of those experiences.

We close with a powerful conversation about a simple but meaningful phrase: "Here's to Being Here." It’s a reminder to embrace each day and every moment—a perspective that perfectly captures Melanie’s approach to life.

Don’t miss this incredible episode filled with history, inspiration, and wisdom from an MRA legend!

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!