VYPE Magazine editor Brad Heath and Moore Athletic Director Chad Mashburn sat down for some hard-hitting (not really) questions as the 2021 school year is getting underway.
VYPE: Where did you get your start coaching and where did you originally graduate?
Mashburn: I graduated high school in 1992 from Idabel, Ok. I went on to play college football and run track at Harding University. After I graduated college I moved to Monroe, La and began teaching and coaching at Ouachita Christian School. We won the 2A football state championship in 2000. In 2005 I was hired to be a teacher and head boys track coach at Moore High. I also coached football and cross country during that time. In 2012 I took over as site athletic director at Moore and have been in this role ever since.
VYPE: This is a difficult time dealing with unusual circumstances, how do you feel the covid response by your coaches and staff has been and how ready is everyone to get back into a more normal routine?
Mashburn: Our coaches have done an amazing job coping with the covid polices that have been put into place. As a coach, you must adapt and overcome, and we sure had to do that a lot last year. Our students also helped by buying into the changes and doing what they were asked of everyday.
VYPE: What is the message to the athletes at Moore under your guidance and leadership?
Mashburn: We want our students to understand what hard work through athletics is and how it molds us into a better self. We want them to experience things that are not easy but through a team we can overcome and have success.
VYPE: Do you have a coaching/teaching mentor? Someone you have looked up to or call on for advice? Maybe it’s someone who has influenced you in the past.
Mashburn: I have several. Most of them are teachers and coaches that I have had in the past. I even have some that are coaching now that I get feedback from. I speak with them as much as I can to get help with issues that we face day in and day out.
VYPE: Let’s give the people a few questions so they can get to know you a little better. Where is your favorite place for lunch or dinner if you’re eating out?
Mashburn: If I have a choice its Alfredo’s Mexican food. I love to eat there every chance I have.
VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?
Mashburn: I like to fish and golf. I am not very good at either but love them both. I have two kids, so they take up most of my time.
VYPE: Favorite team in college or professional sports?
Mashburn: I guess my favorite sports team would have to be Oklahoma. I tend to root for them just because we live here.
VYPE: Your favorite sports movie?
Mashburn: I always like Hoosiers. It was a good movie with a good message.
VYPE: First concert you attended?
Mashburn: My first concert was Eddie Money and the 38 Special in Little Rock, AR.
VYPE: Have you ever visited another country? If so, where?
Mashburn: I have been to Honduras twice on a mission trip. We laid the concrete foundation to a school. It was a great experience.
VYPE: Tell me what you have come to love most about Moore, your athletes and where is the future of the program headed?
Mashburn: I love the people in Moore. They have a passion for good sports. They understand our roots and have realistic expectations. The support we have is second to none. We are building great things and we will continue to strive to compete and be the best at everything we are a part of. Our administration is great in helping us attain our goals in athletics.
VYPE: Here’s your chance to give a shoutout to whomever you wish.
Mashburn: I could not do this without the support of my family. My daughter is a senior this year and plays volleyball. I get a lot of gratification from seeing her interactions with her teammates. My 11-year-old son is a joy to watch and a blast to sit and talk sports with. My wife Lindsay is a nurse and a huge sports fan, so she gets it and understands the day-to-day issues we face. I am proud of all they do and what they represent. They keep me grounded.
