Cross-Country
MMA Cross Country runners compete in a full schedule of competitions throughout the state of Missouri. Our athletes prepare for meets by running each and every day during season, which goes hand-in-hand with the larger MMA mission for all cadets to be physically fit and active.
MMA Cross Country Schedule
Varsity and junior varsity will attend all meets listed below.
Please note that start times are subject to change.
Fall 2024 schedule is not yet available.
Jeff Gifford, Cross Country Coach
Coach Jeff Gifford holds more than 20 years of coaching and military experience to help MMA cadets fulfill their potential as runners and young men of good character. He believes sports are a conduit for developing good character traits, and he aims to provide the expectations, structure and consistency they need to excel. Read Gifford’s full bio online.
What can cadets expect to get from MMA's cross-country program? Greater self-discipline, self-esteem, confidence and courage.
"It's my responsibility as a coach to provide structure, accountability and a program through which they can achieve more," Gifford says. "I like to see our cadet-athletes have the courage to achieve greater success without the fear of failure because they know they can, if needed, fall back on the foundations they have developed through our program."
Gifford grew up in southern California and began his competitive running career at Palm Springs High School. As a college athlete at Missouri Valley College, he achieved all-conference honors and was a national qualifier in both cross country and track. He set the school marathon record and finished 12th in the nation for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
After college, he continued to be an active runner, participating in competitive road races. Among his accomplishments, he won the Mile High City Marathon in Denver and the 8th Army Marathon Championship in Korea. Due to an injury from his military service, he is no longer able to run, but he still tries to live his dreams of running vicariously through the athletes he coaches.
"Through running, I have developed my critical and creative thinking, working through the complexities of running and race strategies as you run against yourself and others," he says about what he has gained from the sport.
He recommends every cadet try cross country — every athlete can contribute. He looks forward to working with cadets to help them reach their full potential and reap the benefits of running.
Visit the Missouri State High School Activities Association web site to view a calendar with MMA athletic events. For any past events, click on the date to view results in the sidebar.