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 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 Kyle Hancock has been an assistant coach for the DVCC Boys since 2023.  He brings 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 (check out his runner page), 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.

Coach Tyler Osen is a fresh face to the program, starting this season as assistant coach for the DVCC team. He brings his recent collegiate and high school running experience as wisdom to the team.

Originally from Minnesota, Coach Osen journey with running began when he attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, where he ran both cross country and track and field collegiately. During this time Tyler was a part of a program with great tradition, winning two National Team Titles, and received multiple Academic All-American awards. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Arizona to pursue his career and found his way to Ahwatukee, and DVCC.

Beyond his role in coaching, Tyler works in business intelligence, and recently started working in the National Football League. He loves to spend his free time being active and with family and friends. Tyler recently adopted a former shelter dog named Yogi, and also fosters different dogs year-round until they find homes.

Coach Osen is still an avid runner and can be seen running with the team on a daily basis. He looks to help continue the great tradition and passion that the DVCC team and staff have implemented.