Welcome to the Old Canton Road Lounge! In this episode, we sit down with Ross Hailey, a dedicated member of the MRA family who is in his 27th year and third year as Athletic Director. Ross begins by sharing how he landed at MRA, recounting his job interview and the opportunity to work alongside legendary basketball coach Richard Duease. He also shares his experience coaching in the overall state championship when Coach Duease was in the hospital, a pivotal moment that showcased his leadership.

Ross reflects on the changes he has witnessed on Old Canton Road over the years, highlighting the growth and transformation of the community and MRA’s campus. He walks us through the various roles he has held at MRA, painting a picture of his diverse contributions to the school’s athletic programs.

One of Ross’s favorite memories on campus is when the Lady Patriots softball team won Game 2 of the state championship series on their home field. He describes the electric atmosphere and how packed the stands were, making it a moment to remember. Ross also provides valuable advice for aspiring athletic directors, emphasizing the importance of dedication, adaptability, and a genuine love for fostering athletic excellence.

As we wrap up this episode, we’d like to thank Ross for sharing his journey and insights. His story is a testament to the impact of hard work and leadership in building a thriving athletic program. Be sure to tune in to the next episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge Podcast, where we’ll continue to bring you more incredible stories from student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

Episode 008:  Legacy in Motion with Athletic Director Ross Hailey

In this episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge, we sit down with Fallon Humphries, the 2024 Volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year for Mississippi. Fallon takes us through her volleyball journey, from learning the fundamentals with her youth coach to becoming a dominant force on the court.

She shares why playing multiple sports in high school helped shape her as an athlete, offers insight into the recruiting process for those looking to compete at the next level, and reflects on her decision to continue her career at the University of North Florida.

We also relive a historic moment at MRA—the program’s first-ever volleyball state championship—where Fallon led the team as captain.

Don't miss this episode full of inspiration, advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Mississippi’s top athletes!

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Episode 009: Elite Fuel with Fallon Humphries the 2024-25 Volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year for Mississippi

Today in the OCR Lounge is 1988 graduate Randy Luster. Luster was an exceptional multi-sport athlete, earning All-State honors as a punter in 1986 and being named Most Valuable Player of the football team by Coach Carlisle in his senior year. He also dominated in track and field under Coach Duease, setting the official state record for the 110-meter high hurdles in May 1987 with a time of 14.57 seconds—a record that still stands nearly 40 years later. Randy also came within 0.02 seconds of the 400-meter low hurdles state record and held multiple school records in both events. His versatility extended beyond hurdles, as he competed in the 1600-meter relay (1st place), 800-meter relay, 400-meter relay, shot put, and discus at State meets. In January 1988, he was the only high school athlete invited to the Jackson Indoor Track & Field Classic at the Mississippi Coliseum, where he took 1st place in the 60-yard high hurdles—defeating collegiate competitors.

Randy continued his athletic career at Delta State University (1988–1991), where he set a school record for highest punting average in a game (48.6 yards per punt, minimum five punts)—a record that held for over a decade before being surpassed by just a foot and a half in 1999. In recognition of his incredible accomplishments, Randy was inducted into the MRA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying his legacy as one of the school’s greatest athletes.

We dive into all that and more in this episode of the OCR Lounge.

Episode 010: Running Down A Dream with 1988 Graduate and 2025 HOF Inductee Randy Luster

In this episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge, we sit down with Melanie Hankins Booth, a 1981 MRA graduate and a 2025 inductee into the MRA Athletic Hall of Fame. A true trailblazer, Melanie was a key member of MRA’s first-ever girls' track and field state championship team, running the second leg of the 4x400m relay that sealed the title in 1981.

Beyond the track, she excelled on the basketball court as a standout for the Lady Pats, even playing under the guidance of her sister as a coach. Melanie shares memories of competition, the tight-knit community at MRA during her time as a student, and the lasting impact of those experiences.

We close with a powerful conversation about a simple but meaningful phrase: "Here's to Being Here." It’s a reminder to embrace each day and every moment—a perspective that perfectly captures Melanie’s approach to life.

Don’t miss this incredible episode filled with history, inspiration, and wisdom from an MRA legend!

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Episode 011: Here's to Being Here with 1981 Graduate & 2025 HOF Inductee Melanie Hankins Booth

Today on the OCR Lounge, we are joined by former Lady Patriots basketball standout, Melissa Jones Haab. A dominant force on the court, Melissa reflects on her time at MRA and the experiences that shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. She shares what it was like playing under legendary coach Richard Duease, how his demanding coaching style pushed the team to success, and the life lessons she took away from that experience.

Melissa also reminisces about the special bond she shared with her sisters, including their walks to school and the lifelong connection they built through sports and family. She emphasizes the importance of having a coach who challenges you—not just to improve your game, but to prepare you for the challenges of life beyond basketball.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and the impact of strong mentors. You won’t want to miss this episode of the OCR Lounge!

Episode 012: Pushed to Greatness with 1986 Graduate & 2025 HOF Inductee Melissa Jones Haab

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we’re joined by Sporting Clay State Champion Payton Lockey! Payton shares his journey to becoming a state champion, breaking down key sporting clay terms and reflecting on his first experiences with shooting. We also dive into his plans for the future, including his upcoming time at Texas A&M.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Payton opens up about his life as an MRA lifer, being a Patriot since kindergarten, and the inspiration he draws from his mom’s strength in battling pancreatic cancer. He also shares a touching story about his dad, explaining why he’s not a junior despite sharing the same name. Additionally, Payton talks about his time as a soccer player for the Patriots, rounding out this engaging and heartfelt episode.

Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation with a young man who’s balancing his athletic success, personal challenges, and future ambitions!

Episode 013: Dude, Perfect (Score) with 2025 Graduate & Sporting Clay State Champion Payton Lockey

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with 2016 graduate Harper Hudnall. Harper shares his journey as a student-athlete at MRA, detailing his experiences playing basketball under the legendary Richard Duease. 

He also opens up about how he transitioned into running track at MRA, where he became a school record-setting and state champion hurdler.
Harper reflects on his move from Columbus, MS, to MRA and the impact that shift had on his athletic career. Now, as a coach at his alma mater, Hudnall is giving back to the next generation of athletes, continuing to influence lives in a positive way.

From standout performances on the court and track to his current role as a phenomenal basketball coach for the Patriots, Harper’s journey is one of dedication, leadership, and passion. Tune in to hear how he’s making an impact both on and off the field.


Episode 014: Love Them Anyway with 2016 Graduate & Two Sport State Champion Harper Hudnall

In this episode of the Old Canton Road Lounge, we sit down with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach George Adams.  Adams is in his 6th year as the head man in the weight room for MRA. 

We discuss trends in weight training and speed development, the importance of knowing your role on a team or within an organization, and the balance between trial and error vs. following popular training methods. We also have a short Q & A on some thoughts that parents might have in the S & C world for their kids. 

Coach Adams shares insights from his journey, including stops with the Minnesota Vikings, Marshall, and UGA, and how he found his passion for strength and conditioning by accident. At the heart of it all? Family.

Episode 015: Nobody is Above the Team with Head Strength & Conditioning Coach George Adams

In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with MRA Head Football Coach Herbert Davis.

Coach Davis shares his thoughts on the power of tough love in building a team and opens up about what it was like coaching his own son—who also happened to be QB1—and how special it was to share breakfast together each morning. He reflects on his journey as a kidney transplant survivor, the toll it took on him physically, and how he continued coaching through some of his toughest days. His guiding principle for every team he coaches? Team First.

We talk about all that—and a lot more—in this episode of the OCR Lounge.

Episode 016: Do Tough Things with Head Football Coach Herbert Davis

On this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with MRA assistant football and track coach Matt Walker for a powerful and honest conversation about living with purpose. Coach Walker shares the importance of Maximizing Every Day—a mindset rooted in discipline, consistency, and effort.

We talk about his brother Anson, whose influence helped him see the value in football, lifting weights, and developing a strong foundation for life. Coach Walker opens up about The Walker Lifestyle and the belief that authenticity is one of the greatest powers we have as humans. His message is clear: the only things we can truly control are our attitude and work ethic—so why not go for it with everything you’ve got?

We also dive into his passion for deer hunting and share the fun story of how his daughter became the President of the Deer Slayer Club. From the woods to the weight room, Coach Walker’s drive for success is about much more than wins and losses—it’s about setting realistic goals and asking the simple but powerful question: Did my group improve?

This special Easter Sunday recording is full of wisdom, energy, and encouragement. Tune in to hear from one of MRA’s most impactful coaches and get inspired to maximize every single day.

Episode 017: Maximize Every Day with Assistant Football & Track Coach Matt Walker

Welcome to the OCR Lounge. A podcast where we take a deep dive into all things sports on Old Canton Road in Madison, MS! Whether it's celebrating the grit of our student-athletes, the strategy of our coaches, or the passion of our loyal fans, we've got it all covered. From game-winning plays to behind-the-scenes stories, we bring you the moments that make MRA sports shine. This is your all-access pass to the heart of the game and the soul of our community. Buckle up and join us on the OCR, where the spirit of competition meets the love of the game!

Episode 015: Nobody is Above the Team with Head Strength & Conditioning Coach George Adams

The OCR Lounge

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