Calhoun takes over Mavericks cross country
Harrison Calhoun
Longtime assistant coach Harrison Calhoun presided over his first official practice Monday morning as head coach of the Mavericks and Lady Mavericks, taking over a program he has helped build during the past seven seasons.
Calhoun previously served as an assistant under former head coaches Derek Wallace and Mollie Fox. He also serves as Anderson County’s head track-and-field coach.
“I’ve been an assistant and worked with the program for seven years,” Calhoun said. “I’m at my first practice as the head cross country coach.”
His coaching duties have expanded, and he admitted that becoming the head coach happened sooner than he thought it would. Still, he said the opportunity fulfills a longtime goal.
“This wasn’t something that I was expecting,” Calhoun said. “All the conversations that we had during track season were that she was coming back, so I was surprised.
“I think Mollie had some opportunities other than high school sports. She’s a dedicated person, and everything she does is full-tilt.”
Although the transition came unexpectedly, Calhoun said he eagerly embraced the chance to lead the program.
“This is the coaching job that I’ve always wanted,” he said. “This is my dream job. My dream job has always been to be the head cross-country coach at Anderson County High School.”
The Mavericks and Lady Mavericks have enjoyed consistent success in recent years, and Calhoun hopes to build on that tradition.
“I have some big ideas, and we’re expecting big things,” he said. “I have high expectations, and we’re going to do some big things.
“I’m looking forward to our season, and I’m looking forward to our home meet at the dam. We’re going to make that our best home meet ever.”
Before joining the Anderson County coaching staff, Calhoun taught and coached at Norris Middle School. He remains in contact with Wallace, who now coaches the Senators and Lady Senators.
“I was lucky enough to teach at Norris, and I’m in contact with the coaches over there,” Calhoun said. “I want to get the young kids interested in running.”
Calhoun said he believes his familiarity with the athletes will help make the coaching transition seamless.
“It helps when you know the kids,” he said.
“Coaching is and has always been about building relationships.”
