Jackson Spencer Collects Gatorade Award Following Spectacular Cross Country Season

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

DyeStat Photos

Even after all he accomplished last fall, and in early January, Jackson Spencer said that he was genuinely surprised Wednesday morning when he caught wind that Grant Fisher was just outside the door at Herriman High School. 

Spencer, of course, was a clear-cut No. 1 in high school cross country after a season of big invitational victories, historic course records, double national titles and even a spot on the U.S. World Cross Country U20 team. 

Fisher, a former Gatorade winner and two-time Foot Locker Cross Country champion, presented Spencer with the trophy for the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year award. 

Count the two-time Olympic medalist as impressed. 

"One, to go through a season undefeated is insane," Fisher said. "And two, to take on the challenge of both national championships back to back weekends, that's physically hard but it's also mentally and emotionally hard. You go from the biggest race that you're going to have to run, and then a week later you have to gear back up.

"And then, in his case, he had to gear back up again for the World Championships. It's really challenging to regulate your emotional energy through all of that."

Spencer completed a morning run in "blizzardy" conditions before arriving back at school and walking into the surprise.

"I'm going to be honest. I didn't know if I was going to get the award," Spencer said. 

Spencer reflected on the way he kept showing up all season long and answering every challenge.

"It was fun. We kept training up into those (late season) races," Spencer said. "In the races I love having people to push me. At the end of the day it's my effort and whatever I run, I run. Since that (results) was wins, it made me really happy."

Spencer is due to open his track season this weekend at the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho, where he will aim to defend his title in the 3,200 meters. WATCH ON RUNNERSPACE+

Spencer joins Natasza Dudek of Ann Arbor Pioneer MI as this year's Gatorade National Player of the Year winners for cross country. 

Spencer was selected from more than 300,000 other student-athletes who compete in high school boys cross country nationwide, according to Gatorade. 

Gatorade Players of the Year are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they’re also role models and leaders off the field.