Hinote Named Track and CC Head Coach
Memphis University School Director of Athletics Thad McCracken has announced the appointment of Drew Hinote as head coach of the cross-country and track programs.
“I am excited for our boys in these programs,” McCracken said. “Coach Hinote has great energy and ideas for growth with respect to our cross country and track athletes, and I can’t wait to see their future accomplishments.”
Hinote joined MUS in 2023 as instructional technology teacher and assistant track coach. In his first season assisting the track program, he helped lead the Owls to a region runner-up finish. Working specifically with sprinters and hurdlers, Hinote coached Noland Brown ’24 to an individual state championship in the 110-meter hurdles.
Prior to joining the MUS faculty, Hinote served for 12 years as head track and cross-country coach at Woodland Presbyterian School, where he won five city championships.
He replaces Joe Tyler and Orlando McKay, who are stepping down from their respective roles as head cross country coach (since 2000) and interim head track coach (in 2024). Bobby Alston led the track program from 1983 until his retirement in December 2023.
“Coach Alston’s incredible tenure and Coach McKay’s vital contributions to the track team’s success are an inspiration,” Hinote said. “Additionally, Coach Tyler’s leadership in building a strong cross-country program is truly inspiring. I am excited to continue this legacy of dedication, hard work, and success, and I look forward to working with our talented athletes to achieve new heights together.”
Tyler will continue teaching math and serving as Lower School dean of students. McKay will return to his role as assistant track coach and will continue teaching finance and psychology.
“I appreciate Coach Alston trusting me to lead the track program in an interim season after his retirement, but I am glad to hand over the reins to Coach Hinote,” McKay said. “I look forward to assisting him as we continue to strive for success.”
Coach Tyler said he is appreciative of his 24 years leading the cross-country team, and he supports his colleague. “Coach Hinote lives and breathes cross country and track. I am confident he will be successful leading both programs.”
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