Behind every great story is another great story.

Such is the case of Sam Kendricks, the first-ever Olympian from Oxford High School who will battle for a medal at the Rio games next week. Sam has been coached in high school and for most of his career since high school by his father, Scott Kendricks, who may be the best track coach the world has never heard of.

That’s all about to change at the Olympics as the father-son story gets out. But Oxford residents are not surprised by the success of Sam and his coaching father. Scott Kendricks is the great story behind his son’s success.

At Oxford High School coaching boys and girls track and cross country for 14 years Scott Kendricks was a titan, and an inspirational driver of excellence that set the stage for competitive excellence at Oxford schools that is the norm these days.

Long before the Chargers were tops in the state in football or baseball it was Kendricks’ track and cross country teams raising the bar. He taught young people to recognize their talent like few other coaches can do.

Under his leadership at OHS, 11 state championships were won in 14 years, a feat unequaled pretty much anywhere in high school sports.

Kendricks left to coach at Ole Miss in the fall of 2012, concentrating in the pole vault, the event his son Sam was beginning to find some success in as a Rebel walk-on. Since then Sam Kendricks has become one of the best at pole vault in the world, winning two NCAA championships before turning pro two years ago.

Now, Sam Kendricks enters the Rio Olympics as a medal contender. His father will be at his side, coaching at every step along the way.

Oxford celebrates the success of its greatest track coach ever, acknowledging the fact that Scott Kendricks may be one of the greatest track coaches anywhere.