Pending Board approval, Urbandale is excited to announce Payton Marrs as the new Head Boys Cross Country Coach, effective for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Coach Marrs brings both experience and enthusiasm to the role, having served as an Assistant Coach under Coach Lee Hammerand last season. A 2020 graduate of Urbandale High School, Coach Marrs competed at the collegiate level for the University of Northern Iowa, where he developed as both a student-athlete and emerging leader in the sport.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Coach Marrs will be joining the Urbandale High School faculty as a freshman social studies teacher, further strengthening his connection to our school community.

"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Marrs to this leadership role," said Jared Power, Director of Athletics & Activities. "His background as a competitive runner, his experience within our program, and his dedication to our student-athletes make him a great fit to lead our boys cross country team into the future."

Coach Marrs is passionate about building a strong, team-oriented culture and fostering personal growth both on and off the course. His firsthand experience as a runner and recent involvement with the program position him well to lead with energy, insight, and vision.

Please join us in congratulating Coach Payton Marrs on his appointment as Head Boys Cross Country Coach and in welcoming him to the high school faculty.