Desert Vista Boys Cross Country

Meet Coach Chris Hanson, the dedicated leader at the helm of Desert Vista Cross Country since its inaugural season in 1996. With an illustrious coaching career spanning nearly three decades, Coach Hanson has garnered the prestigious Coach of the Year award an impressive eight times. His coaching expertise has produced three Individual Cross Country State Champions and an exceptional track record of success, including ten State Championships and five State Runner-Up titles, all achieved in the highest echelons of Arizona High School classifications.

Originally hailing from Iowa, Coach Hanson's journey to the desert began when he attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his beloved Stefanie. Shortly after graduation, they moved to Arizona to pursue their careers. Since their marriage in 1995, they have shared a remarkable life together, including raising a family that embodies their passion for athletics and excellence.

Their three children carry forward the legacy of athletic achievement and dedication. Solomon Hanson, a former Desert Vista Cross Country Boys Runner (Class of 2017), went on to become an Air Force Academy alumnus and currently serves in the Space Force. Sevanna Hanson (Class of 2018), has achieved All-American status as a pole vaulter at Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her masters degree at Texas A&M, while finishing her collegiate pole vaulting career, exemplifying the family's commitment to excellence in sports. The youngest member of the Hanson family, Seth (Class of 2025), shines on the field as a Quarterback and punter for the Thunder while also excelling on the Basketball and Track teams.

Coach Hanson's enduring commitment to Desert Vista Cross Country is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing young talent. Under his guidance, the team has consistently reached new heights, and Coach Hanson's influence continues to inspire both athletes and the community alike. As we look ahead to another exciting season, we anticipate further success and growth under the exceptional leadership of Coach Chris Hanson.

Coach Griffin Clithero, has been an invaluable asset to the DVCC Boys team, serving as an assistant coach since 2021. Griffin's journey with Desert Vista High School Cross Country is a remarkable testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.

As a distinguished alumnus of DVCC, Griffin graduated with the Class of 2011 and left an indelible mark on the program. His impressive running credentials include personal records of 15:29 for the 3-mile race and 16:18 for the 5K, reflecting his outstanding athleticism and commitment to excellence. Notably, Griffin was a key figure in the DVCC squad that achieved an impressive 3rd-place finish at the 2010 State Championship meet, showcasing his leadership and competitive spirit on the varsity team with a notable time of 17:02.

Beyond his role as a coach, Griffin is deeply involved in the academic life of Desert Vista. He shares his passion for education as an English teacher, inspiring students with his knowledge and enthusiasm for literature and language.

Griffin Clithero's return to DVCC, this time as an assistant coach, signifies his enduring commitment to the program that played a pivotal role in shaping his life. With his wealth of experience, both as a runner and an educator, Griffin is poised to mentor and guide the next generation of DVCC athletes. His dedication to the team's success, coupled with his passion for teaching, ensures that he continues to make a positive impact on the Desert Vista community.

Coach Bob Davis has been a dedicated assistant coach at Desert Vista since 2013. His journey reflects his unwavering commitment to the DVCC program and its athletes.

Bob's academic foundation is rooted in the world of technology, as he earned his B.S. Degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University. His career spanned an impressive 43 years at a prominent financial institution, where his expertise and dedication left an indelible mark.

Now, in the serene embrace of retirement, Bob and his wife, Judy, savor the joys of this new chapter in their lives. Their family has been intrinsically linked to DVCC, with their devotion extending to two former DVCC Varsity runners who have achieved remarkable success.

Their son, Ben Davis, who was a member of the Class of 2015, contributed significantly to the 2014 state championship team's triumph. He continued to excel in his running journey, dedicating four years to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Today, Ben applies his problem-solving skills as a Software Engineer in the vibrant tech hub of Boulder, Colorado.

Equally impressive is their daughter, Mandy Davis, a standout member of DVCC's championship legacy. She was a vital part of the 2013, 2014, and 2016 state championship teams, showcasing her commitment to excellence. Mandy pursued her collegiate journey at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, competing in cross country and track for four years. Now, she channels her creativity and design expertise as a User Experience Designer for a leading technology services company in the bustling city of Chicago.

Bob's rich family history with DVCC, coupled with his own professional journey, brings a unique blend of experience and passion to our coaching staff. His dedication to nurturing the talents and ambitions of our athletes ensures that the DVCC legacy continues to flourish. As we embrace the future, Coach Bob remains a steadfast advocate for the team's success and the holistic development of its members.

Coach Mindy Thatcher, our esteemed assistant coach at DVCC, has been an integral part of our coaching team since 2016. Her journey through the world of running and coaching has been nothing short of remarkable.

Mindy's own passion for running began during her college years at Eastern Washington University, where she not only pursued her education but also competed at a high level in cross country and track. Her dedication to the sport and her drive to excel set the stage for her future coaching career.

Before joining DVCC, Mindy honed her coaching skills in both Washington and Idaho while simultaneously teaching mathematics. Her ability to balance the demands of the classroom with her coaching responsibilities showcases her commitment to education and athletics.

Further illustrating her commitment to the sport, Mindy ventured into the collegiate coaching arena, serving as an assistant coach for the Brigham Young University women's cross country and track team while pursuing her master's degree. Her experiences at the collegiate level brought valuable insights and knowledge to our DVCC athletes.

Mindy's connection to Desert Vista High School goes beyond her role as a coach. Her family has been an integral part of our DVCC community. Her daughter, Olivia Thatcher, a proud member of the Class of 2021, contributed her exceptional running talents to DVCC, helping secure two state championships. Additionally, her son, Nick Thatcher, a member of the Class of 2018, was a key figure in the DVCC Boys State Cross Country Championship teams of 2016 and 2017. Mindy's family ties to DVCC have added a unique and cherished dimension to our program.

In Coach Mindy Thatcher, we have a dedicated and experienced leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for the sport to our DVCC team. Her impact on our athletes extends far beyond the racecourse, instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. We are privileged to have Coach Mindy as an integral part of the DVCC family.

Introducing Coach Kyle Hancock, who has embarked on his inaugural season as an assistant coach for the DVCC Boys, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Desert Vista High School Cross Country.

A proud alumnus of Desert Vista, Coach Kyle is a true embodiment of DVCC spirit. As a DVCC Boys Runner, he graduated with the Class of 2003 and boasts an impressive personal record of 16:03 in the 5K. Notably, he was an integral part of the pioneering DVCC Boys State Championship team in 2002, marking a historic moment in our program's history. Kyle's legacy also extends to being one of the inaugural members of the esteemed Sons of Thunder, a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Beyond his role in coaching, Kyle applies his expertise as an aircraft engine control systems engineer, reflecting his commitment to precision, innovation, and problem-solving. His professional background enriches his coaching approach, infusing it with analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Kyle's journey at Brigham Young University led to a remarkable chapter in his life as he crossed paths with his future wife, Lorna. Together, they are the proud parents of seven children, each with their unique gifts and talents. Among them, two stand out as current DVCC Boys Runners: Jesse Hancock, who is part of the Class of 2027, and Feliha'a Hancock, also a member of the Class of 2027. This familial connection to DVCC exemplifies the Hancock family's deep-rooted commitment to our program and its future.

Coach Kyle Hancock's return to DVCC, this time as a dedicated coach, marks a full-circle journey of passion, achievement, and giving back to the sport and community that have played a significant role in his life. His guidance and mentorship promise to inspire and shape the next generation of DVCC athletes, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues to thrive.