Judson Greer Wins Gatorade Texas XC ROY

Judson Greer enjoyed another outstanding cross county season last fall. His 2020 campaign resulted in another UIL 4A state cross country individual championship, the third consecutive in his high school career. This year's win also helped catapult his team to a second place finish at the state meet.

This week, Gatorade named the Melissa senior the 2020-21 Gatorade Texas Boy's Cross Country Runner of the Year. This award is in its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes and Greer is the first Boy's Cross Country Player of the Year from Melissa High School.

The University of North Carolina signee won five of the six races he competed in this year and finished runner-up in the other; of the six races, four of them were sub 15 minute 5K performances. He also added a national level win at the XC Town USA Meet of Champions  in Terre Haute, IN.

It's no doubt that Greer would be in the running for an athletic achievement, but when it came down to the academic and exemplary character achievement, Greer was again a prime candidate. He carries a 4.67 GPA, is a devoted member of his church community, and he has volunteered locally on behalf of food pantries and the Special Olympics.

" I am very thankful to receive this award and thankful for those who have helped me along the way." 

Judson Greer, Melissa senior

Being awarded the Gatorade ROY is a special accomplishment for Greer as has been all of the rest, "when I was in the early stages of my high school career, I dreamed of winning a cross country championship for 4A," he said.

Greer wanted to keep improving although he won state as a sophomore. Later that season, he just missed out qualifying for national championship meets, but that allow complacency to settle in and it didn't deter him from continuing to work hard for more. "I have put in a lot of work on the roads and in the classroom over my high school career, and it's nice to receive recognition for that effort."

Greer's UIL running career is over. He last competed back in February in the mile and the 3,200m distances turning in outstanding 4:11.74 and 8:49.29 performances. He has since experienced discomfort and has been primarily focused on healing and preparation for summer training and his future NCAA career. Greer said, "to now be named the best high school cross country runner in all of Texas is truly special, I am very thankful to receive this award and thankful for those who have helped me along the way." 

Judson Greer Athlete Profile