For York Dragons track and field head coach Josh Hurst, success is not measured only by medals or finishes, but measured by the lasting impact on his athletes.
Now in his 14th season leading the York Dragons boys track and field program, Hurst has built one of the most consistent small-school programs in the state. Since 2015, York has sent at least one athlete to the TSSAA state championships every single year, a streak that reflects both stability and steady development. Hurst said the significance of those appearances goes beyond the track.
“Making a state championship in any sport is special.” Hurst said. “But to do it in track and field is just an awesome opportunity for our student athletes and memories and relationships that they’re gonna develop in doing that for the rest of their life.”
That long-term perspective has become the foundation of York’s program. Over his 13 completed seasons as head coach, Hurst has averaged around 32 athletes per roster, numbers that speak to both participation and trust within the program.
And while the Dragons continue to compete in Tennessee’s Class A ranks, Hurst said he views wins and losses as only a small part of the bigger picture.
“If all I have is my wins and losses, that’s all I’ve got to hang my hat on, I’ve done a terrible job,” Hurst said. “I have a tremendous opportunity to have an impact, a positive impact on our student athletes and help them grow and push them, you know, help them learn about work ethic and dedication and sportsmanship and teamwork and work ethic and all of those things that are so important, not just in sports but really in life.”
That philosophy has helped shape a program defined as much by consistency as it is by culture. Hurst said growth that extends well beyond race times.
“My guys go get out of high school and take that drive about never giving up,” Hurst said. “Hard work pays off. Don’t ever quit, always, in whatever you’re doing, do the best that you can do.”
As the 2026 season progresses, that message remains central. Hurst’s expectations stay the same between steady improvement, daily effort, and a commitment to something bigger than the scoreboard.
