Athletic Department

Chad Davis was named the director of athletics for the Miami Public School district in May of 2017. Davis is originally from Picher, Oklahoma and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College where he earned an Associate of Science degree in Physical Education. Davis continued his education at Pittsburg State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a minor in coaching, and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management and Leadership. 

As the director of athletics for the Wardogs, Davis is tasked with management of 18 boys and girls athletic programs and nearly three dozen coaches for grades 6-12. He has led or helped lead fundraising efforts for Miami Athletics and is the vice-chair of the Wardog Legend Committee. Some of those fundraising efforts include over $80,000 of weight room improvements, and raising over $125,000 for a statue honoring former Wardog great Steve Owens with the Wardog Legend Committee. Davis spearheaded the formation of the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2017, with the inaugural induction ceremony taking place in the spring of 2018. Davis is also active in regional athletics where he serves as a selection committee member and gameday manager for the Midwest Classic Bowl, and also is a committee member for the local Oklahoma Eight Man Coaches Association (OEMFCA) annual all-star game. Davis was inducted into the OEMFCA Hall of Fame in June of 2014.

Prior to his tenure at Miami Public Schools, Davis spent nearly 10 years at his alma mater, NEO, as a member of the Golden Norsemen Football staff. Davis coached defensive backs from 2008-2015, and was promoted to director of football operations in 2015, a position he held until the summer of 2017. Davis also managed the NEO Student Activity Center, and taught in the Physical Education department. During his coaching tenure at NEO, Davis was part of two conference championship teams and coached fourteen players who earned Division I scholarships from NEO. Three of those former players went on to play in the NFL. Davis was the recipient of the 2019 NEO A&M College Outstanding Young Alumni award in September of 2019.

Davis and his wife Amanda celebrated their 20^th anniversary in July of 2020, and they reside in Miami with their two children, Seth and Sayler. 

Rusty Mercer was named Assistant Athletic Director in the fall of 2018. Mercer also has been employed as a teacher and coach in Miami for the past 23 years, starting in 1997. Mercer is from Tulsa and graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1987. After High School, Mercer attended NEO A&M College, earning an Associate’s of Arts degree in 1989.  Mercer continued his education at Oklahoma State University where he earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, as well a minor in Physical Education.

Mercer has also had many coaching duties in his 25-year tenure that started in 1997 at Miami. He spent over 20 years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach. Mercer won numerous District titles, made numerous Area Playoff appearances, as well as guided the Wardogs to the 2003 4A State Basketball Tournament in Oklahoma City. Mercer is also currently the Dean of Students for the Junior High and High School, as well as the Head Boys and Girls Golf coach in the Spring. Other coaching duties Mercer has held at Miami include Head High School Girls Basketball Coach, Head Boys, and Girls Tennis Coach, Head Jr. High Baseball Coach, and Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach.

Prior to his tenure in Miami, Mercer coached at Welch High School from 1994 to 1997, where he was the Head Boys and Girls Basketball Coaches, Head Baseball Coach, and the Head Fast-Pitch Softball Coach.

Before his high school career started, Mercer worked for the NEO A&M Men’s Basketball program for 3 years, under Coach Larry Gipson. In addition, Mercer worked for the Oklahoma State Men’s Basketball program for 4 years, under Coach Eddie Sutton.

Along with his Admin role and coaching duties, Mercer has also been a classroom teacher,  teaching various Social Studies courses.

Mercer and his wife Brandy have been married 27 years, they reside in Miami, and have two children, Caden and Cali.