The strength of the Leavenworth Raiders is built on more than endurance and grit—it’s forged by coaches who give everything to see these cadets succeed. 1SG (R) Wayne Cogdill (coaching 19 years) and Lt Col (R) Gina Edwards Edwards (coaching 3 years) are relentless in their commitment, ensuring every cadet is trained, prepared, and ready to face the toughest challenges in the wilderness.

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1SG works year-round on his own, and with members of the community to create an elite training environment, transforming Raider Hill behind the high school into a rugged proving ground. Obstacles are built, trails are cleared, and equipment is handcrafted to push cadets to their limits.

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Training for the Raiders isn’t for the faint of heart. The coaches lead two grueling week-long "Hell Weeks"—one in the heat of summer and another as school begins—where cadets are challenged physically, and mentally. During the school year, daily, they dedicate countless hours to daily practices, often staying until dusk to prepare their teams for success.

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When competition season arrives, these coaches travel alongside the Raiders, guiding and supporting them at local meets across Missouri and then it's onto the Army National Championships in the challenging terrain of Ft. Knox, KY.

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The Leavenworth Raiders’ victories are no accident—they are the result of coaches who build more than athletes. They build leaders, instill perseverance, and shape young men and women who will carry the spirit of hard work and service into their communities and beyond.

 

This what makes the Leavenworth Raiders unstoppable.