On Saturday, September 1st Warriors' Best Friend will partner with Liberty and Liberty North to host the Tim Nixon Invitational, named in honor of the former head Liberty High School cross-country coach who passed away in 2017. Wildflower is a very rare, professionally-developed, true grass cross-country course here in the Midwest that has attracted regional attention from high schools and colleges for its scenic appeal, layout, and safety. On the first week of September, 27 schools will gather to compete in this special invitational and honor the memory of a beloved coach and mentor, Coach Nixon.
Blue Springs South Lee's Summit North Park Hill South Truman
Central (St. Joe) Lee's Summit West Platte County West Plains
Columbia Hickman Liberty Princeton William Chrisman
Excelsior Springs Liberty North Raytown
Fort Osage Nevada Raytown South
Grain Valley Notre Dame de Sion Smithville
Kearney Oak Park St. Theresa's Academy
Lee's Summit Park Hill Staley
About Tim Nixon
Coach Tim Nixon, was born April 9th, 1954, in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Raytown High School, recieved his Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia and Master's degree from UMKC. He loved sports and was a member of Raytown High's basketball, baseball, cross country and track team, and MC cross country and track teams.
Tim started his powerful influence upon young people as a counselor for Kanakuk. This experience led Tim to a 39-year career in coaching and teaching. Tim coached and mentored thousands of boys and girls in Liberty throughout his nearly four decade career. He brought much joy to all the lives he touched. He retired as a Junior High Science teacher in the Liberty School District in 2011 and remained coaching High School Cross County and Junior High/Middle school track until his death. His many honors and awards include 3 state championships, numerous All-State Athletes, Gatorade Coach of the Year, Missouri Cross Country Association Hall of Fame, and Liberty High School Hall of Fame, but more imortantly, Tim made a positive impact upon countless young people that went through his program.
Ever the competitior, Tim could still play a great pick-up game of basketball with his runners. He had a passion for disc golf, especially with his son and sons-in-law, and enjoyed hearts card games with his coaching buddies. One of his favorite pastimes was hosting get togethers at his house. He also loved working as a DJ for his students and other events. His most recent passion was chicken farming which he named "Nix Chix." Above all, Tim wanted to live by making God's name great. He did so by actively serving within his local church and traveling to numerous countries on mission trips where his impact was felt beyond Liberty.
Sponsors
Thank you to the following businesses that exclusively sponsored their local high school cross-country teams, helping Warriors' Best Friend carry on its mission of adopting rescue dogs and training them to assist veterans battling Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries:
Country Club Bank--Official sponsor of Blue Springs South High School
Platte Valley Bank--Official sponsor of Platte County and Smithville High School
C.M. Mose & Son--Official sponsor of St. Theresa's, Oak Park, Liberty and Liberty North High School
Olsson Associates--Official sponsor of Park Hill and Park Hill South High School
McDonalds--Official sponsor of Princeton, Kearney and Excelsior Springs High School
BMC Mattress--Official sponsor of Staley High School
Boehringer Ingelheim--Official sponsor of St. Joe Central High School
