BLITZ XC Runner of the Year: Will Gipson

December 2, 2025

This post was originally published on this site.

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Crossing the line first is something Will Gipson has made a habit over the years. This year more than ever before, he showed that he’s the top runner in the state, capping off his XC career with a state title and now being named BLITZ XC Runner of the Year.

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS

State Champion (17:09)
Region/Sectionals Champion (16:13)
PR (16:01.94)
10 Top-5s
8 1st-Place Runs

Total domination! Will Gipson raced 10 times this fall, and crossed the line first eight of those times. His lone other finishes were 2nd at the North Georgia Two-Mile Races and 3rd at the Bill Woods Pridelands HS Invitational. His 16:01.94 PR at the elite Alexander/Asics Invitational was his signature moment. He was the Region/Sectionals champ with a 16:13, then won the State Championship with a 17:09, finishing 21 seconds ahead of the next-best runner. He was 4th as a junior at state, 5th as a sophomore, and 48th as a freshman.

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VOTING RESULTS

Will Gipson – 77 pts (13 1st-place votes)
Witt Windham – 45 pts (3)
Holden Payne – 31.5 pts
Eli Hamil – 17.5 pts
Teagan Penland – 17 pts (1)
Finn Wakeman – 16 pts

Voting included our 17-person panel made up of sports reporters, writers, video producers, former coaches, players, GHSA officials, and sports experts. The voting is Heisman-style, with the following points system:
1st place votes: 5 pts; 2nd: 3 pts; 3rd: 2 pts; 4th: 1 pts; 5th-6th: 0.5 pts; 7th-8th 0.25 pts

Gipson was the run-away favorite and won easily, taking 13 out of 17 1st-place votes. Witt Windham earned thee 1st-place tallies, and Teagan Penland had a top vote as well.