Archived News

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andy Hamilton as the new Boys Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director.

Having served diligently as the assistant boys basketball coach for the past two years, Andy Hamilton brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to his new role. With over 15 years of experience in both basketball and sales, Coach Hamilton has consistently demonstrated his ability to achieve excellence both on and off the court.

“We are excited to have Coach Hamilton step into this dual role,” said MSM Athletic Director Rich Henderson. “Andy brings a wealth of knowledge in coaching and administrative experiences. It was extremely important for us to find a coach that understands our community, upholds our values and leads his program in the mission. We look forward to continuing the success of the program in developing great young men through the game of basketball.”

Coach Hamilton expressed his excitement about receiving his new roles, stating, “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the boys basketball program and contribute to the overall success of our athletic department. I look forward to working closely with our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the entire Rocket community to continue building a culture of excellence.”

Coach Hamilton’s commitment to fostering a positive and competitive team culture, combined with his strategic mindset honed through years of sales experience, will undoubtedly propel the boys basketball program to new heights of success.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Coach Andy Hamilton as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with our Rocket community!

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School proudly announces the unprecedented success of its annual fundraising event, “Magic at The Mount Gala,” which took place on February 10, 2024. The event, hosted at the beautiful Omni Hotel in Downtown OKC, was a night of friendship, celebration, and generosity, surpassing all expectations and setting a new standard for philanthropy within the school community.

 With overwhelming support from staff members, alumni, current parents, and esteemed community partners, the gala soared to new heights, achieving record-breaking net profits that eclipsed last year’s milestone. The event’s resounding success reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Mount St. Mary community to uphold the school’s mission and values.

“We are thrilled to announce the unprecedented success of ‘Magic at The Mount’ and extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement,” said MSM Principal, Laura Cain. “This extraordinary event exemplifies the remarkable spirit of unity and generosity that defines our school community.”

The evening unfolded as a tapestry of camaraderie and solidarity, highlighted by dancing, dinner, laughter, and generosity. Attendees embraced the spirit of giving, guided through the night by the duo of Chris Stiles, Director of Advancement, and Larry Pierce, the esteemed Voice of the Rockets. DJ Malcolm Davis ‘14 provided the perfect musical backdrop as the night ended. Amidst the festivities, an integral moment arrived with the presentation of the alumni awards. Al Mertens ’86 was honored with the Professional Achievement Award, while Teresa Moisant ’67 received the esteemed Spirit of the School Award. Fr. Jerome Krug ’11 was celebrated with the Young Alumni Award, and Sr. Lucy Fitzmorris ’11 was recognized with the Community Service Award. Lastly, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the late Sr. Mary Hortense Maca ’32.

Among the highlights of the evening were outstanding auction items. From an exhilarating trip to Belize to the irresistible charm of a Goldendoodle puppy, the auction featured an array of coveted prizes designed to ignite excitement and inspire generosity. Other notable items included a luxurious getaway to Big Cedar, the thrilling OU Football SEC experience, and the Meaningful Moment Bus fundraiser for a new MSM bus.

“This year’s Magic at The Mount Gala did not disappoint. Principal Laura Cain put together a terrific team of staff and volunteers to pull the event together. Likewise, our sponsors and our community stepped up as they always do.  This event measured up to our standards of building our community, celebrating our mission, and raising money.  Being able to capture our largest net profit in the nearly 25 year history of this event speaks volumes for the trust our loyal constituents have in The Mount,” said MSM Director of Advancement, Chris Stiles.

The school leadership would like to recognize and thank the following sponsors for their role in the success of this year’s Magic at The Mount Gala.  VIP Sponsor: The Carsey Family.  Entertainment Sponsor: Karl and Rhonda Baldischwiler.  Premier Sponsors: The Mauldin Family; Anderson and House; Bloom Medical Aesthetics; Toyota of Ardmore; Mollman Culligan Water; Mercy; and Dental Design.  Friend of MSM Sponsors:  Frontier State Bank; HK&S Iron; Allison Insurance; BancFirst; The Byrne and Snyder Families; Johnson and Biscone, Attorneys at Law; Christ the KIng Catholic Church; St. Eugene Catholic Church; Russell and Michelle Britten; Fred and Fran Krapff; John Michael and Kathy Williams; Miguel Garcia, PLLC; Tyler Media: Dumont Motorsports: CRG Laboratories; OCCC; The Rockey Family; The Stiles Family; and Solutions for Medicine, INC.

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School proudly announces the appointment of J.D. Runnels as the next Head Football Coach. Runnels brings a wealth of experience and a winning spirit to The Mount, promising to lead the football program to new heights.

Runnels, a celebrated figure in Oklahoma football, boasts an impressive track record both as a player and a coach. Hailing from Carl Albert High School, he clinched four state titles and earned recognition as a two-time Daily Oklahoman All-Stater. His exceptional talent and leadership skills carried him to The University of Oklahoma, where he contributed significantly to the team’s success, competing in two national championships and securing two Big 12 titles.

After a stellar collegiate career, Runnels transitioned to the professional arena, drafted in the 6th round by the Chicago Bears. Now, with a storied background in football, Runnels brings his expertise and passion for the game to Mount St. Mary Catholic High School.

“We are thrilled to welcome J.D. Runnels to our Mount St. Mary family,” said Laura Cain, Principal of Mount St. Mary Catholic High School. “Coach Runnels brings an impressive football resume to MSM and embodies the values of teamwork, discipline, and excellence. We are excited for Rocket Football under his direction as a leader, coach and mentor for our student-athletes.”

“Coach JD brings a champion’s mindset to the new era of Rocket Football,” added Rich Henderson, Athletic Director at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School. “He has an innate ability to positively impact the lives of student-athletes on and off the field. Coach JD embraces the mission and the values upheld by our school and community, and we are excited to have him at the helm of our football program.”

Coach Runnels expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “It is an honor to join Mount St. Mary Catholic High School as the Head Football Coach. I am deeply committed to empowering our student-athletes, instilling in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie. Together, we will strive for greatness both on and off the field.”

The Mount community eagerly anticipates the start of a new era under Coach Runnels’ leadership, confident that his appointment marks the beginning of a bright and successful chapter in Mount St. Mary football history.