The Oxford Charger Podcast

Coach Konrad Ernst :: Charger Wrestling Coach

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 classes with two athletes, 8th grader Nhari Jones and 10th grader Kamar Houston, winning the state titles! As you listen you'll hear Coach Ernst's passion for both the sport of wrestling and teaching his guys and girls how to push themselves to be successful both on and off the wrestling mat. We talk about BBQ, concerts, a grizzly bear attack, and growing up in Wisconsin. And Coach Ernst was also awarded Outstanding First Year Teacher for the entire Oxford School District last spring as well! Thanks again to Coach Ernst for joining the pod and providing some insight into the world of competitive high school wrestling. Congrats on a great first season, and I know the enthusiasm for the sport has already grown with the success the team has had under his leadership. We have a few more upcoming episodes I think you'll enjoy too, BUT.... if you have a suggestion please do not hesitate to reach out by DMing me on twitter or instagram @chargerpodcast or emailing me at blake@chargerpodcast.com [blake@chargerpodcast.com]. Until next time... go Chargers.

Officer Zach Anderson :: School Resource Officer

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 Oxford PD and becoming integrated into our community. He shares what motivates him to be the best he can at his job and what he sees as challenges for our kids today. I really think you'll enjoy. If you liked this episode I challenge you to grab your phone right now (yes, right now!) and share it with a friend who you know would enjoy it too. We have a few more upcoming episodes I think you'll enjoy too, BUT.... if you have a suggestion please do not hesitate to reach out by DMing me on twitter or instagram @chargerpodcast [twitter.com/chargerpodcast] or emailing me at blake@chargerpodcast.com [blake@chargerpodcast.com]. Until next time... go Chargers!

Dr. Dana Bullard :: OHS Principal

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 potential differences a "year round school" could hold if OSD were to ever move towards that schedule. She also touches on her own coaching experiences and shares her favorite concerts she's been too. Also, just a note but as we recorded there was a work crew just outside the windows pressure washing the steps and walkways... so you may hear a soft rumble in the background. If you have a suggestion of who would be great to have a conversation with, send me a tweet or DM @chargerpodcast [twitter.com/chargerpodcast] or you can email me at blake@chargerpodcast.com [blake@chargerpodcast.com].

John Davenport :: OHS Theater Department

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 support of the district for the arts, and advice he has for a student intrigued but still bitten by stage fright. It's truly a great conversation I think you'll enjoy. A quick note that we did record in the new fine arts building with lots going on around us. In the background you may hear students from afar and the OHS band warming up just outside the doors. But that's what high school is all about, right? Also, Jekyll and Hyde is starting this THIS WEEK Nov 3/4/5.! So be sure to get to one of the performances. Also, be sure to share this episode with at least one person you think would enjoy it. Here we go. If you have a suggestion of who would be great to have a conversation with, send me a tweet or DM @chargerpodcast [twitter.com/chargerpodcast] on Twitter or you can email me at blake@chargerpodcast.com [blake@chargerpodcast.com]. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and leave us a review!

Beard & Baughman :: Charger Activities Directors

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 and how they find fulfillment in their job. We wrap up the conversation with a new game called The Villes... so be sure to play along with them. As always, if you know of someone who would like this episode and our recent episodes, shoot them a message right now to share the pod with them. And if you know of the perfect guest for the pod, reach out to me on twitter at @chargerpodcast [twitter.com/chargerpodcast]. Hope you enjoy! Always open to feedback!