A New Era for OKWU Track & Cross Country
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is entering a defining moment for Track & Cross Country—one fueled by growing athletic momentum, fresh leadership, and a renewed commitment to building programs that compete with excellence and reflect Christ. As OKWU expands athletic opportunities and invests in future facilities, new Head Coach Charlie Young steps in with a vision that’s equal parts competitive, spiritual, and culture-shaping. His leadership marks the beginning of a program built for what’s possible.
“It’s an incredible honor and opportunity to step into a season where history is being written in real time. Across OKWU Athletics, you can feel the energy; coaches, athletes, and staff all rallying around the same mission of building programs that compete with excellence and reflect Christ.”
– Coach Charlie Young
Young joins OKWU during a uniquely formative moment and he describes the timing as nothing short of providential. “It’s an incredible honor and opportunity to step into a season where history is being written in real time. Across OKWU Athletics, you can feel the energy; coaches, athletes, and staff all rallying around the same mission of building programs that compete with excellence and reflect Christ.” With new teams emerging and facilities developing, he sees tremendous potential not only for competition but for shaping a legacy that will influence future generations of Eagles.
Why Coach Young Chose OKWU
For Young, OKWU offered a rare opportunity; one that aligned deeply with his calling. “What drew me here is the opportunity to build something from the ground up,” he shared, reflecting on the excitement of establishing a program with a clear mission and identity.
Equally compelling was the chance to help write the program’s story from the beginning. “We’re not just inheriting traditions; we’re setting them,” Young said, expressing his passion for pioneering a foundation that student-athletes can take pride in for years to come. Young’s approach to coaching is holistic, deeply shaped by his faith. “I see coaching as a form of ministry,” he said. For him, Track & Cross Country serves as a platform to mentor, guide, and equip athletes not just athletically, but spiritually and personally.
Building Culture, Identity, and Momentum
As the program continues to grow, Young’s focus centers on establishing a culture that’s defined by discipline, unity, and purpose. Inspired by a Christ-centered approach to leadership, he emphasizes that the team’s ‘why’ must shape its ‘how’: “We train and compete to glorify Christ.”
Drawing from his early priorities, he is setting consistent training standards, building a committed roster, and advocating for the development of the team’s future home course; each is a foundational step toward a strong, sustainable program identity.
A Vision for the Future: Developing Athletes and Facilities
Looking ahead, Young envisions Track & Cross Country becoming a unified, competitive presence in the KCAC and NAIA, supported by facilities that match the program’s growing ambition. He sees a future where OKWU hosts meets, builds community connections, and sends out graduates shaped by discipline, character, and deepened faith.
This vision aligns with OKWU’s long-term commitment to enhancing athletic spaces through the Eagle Campus Project, a crucial step toward providing student-athletes with the environment they need to flourish.
Discover how OKWU is expanding athletic opportunities and building the future of programs like Track & Cross Country at okwu.edu/give/eaglecampus.
