Joplin High School senior cross-country runner Grey Edwards acknowledges that the types of things he puts his body through aren’t necessarily what one might call “normal.”  But Edwards also understands that the end goal is to better himself for a future that looks very bright, “One challenge I face – and I’m sure many other runners also face – is staying consistent during the off season. Running six days a week in the summer can be a pretty difficult thing to do. Running in general is a huge mental battle, so it is especially hard in the off-season.”

            Edwards is one of three Joplin runners to make it to state last season, and he has high hopes that he can return and finish even better, “I am looking forward to having a successful season with the guys and getting my 5k time down by 15-20 seconds.” 

            As a senior, Edwards realizes that he can no longer look to others to take the lead in their training, but he is fully prepared to take that mantel on himself, “On this team I see myself as the leader. Now that I am a senior, I feel that I am the person that many of the younger runners look at up to for advice and direction. We have been running for a few months now. The team is doing well.  We are slowly building up in mileage and getting into shape for the season.” 

Edwards is the epitome of a scholar athlete and has many interests outside of cross-country.  He runs track for the Eagle and plays golf.  He has an impressive 4.27 GPA and scored a 30 on his ACT.  Grey is a member of the National Honors Society andFusion, a club that gives high school freshmen a chance to connect with upperclassmen.  Grey has lettered in cross-country all three years of high school.

After high school, Grey’s plans are to attend the University of Missouri and major in business. He also plans to go to law school in Columbia with hopes of someday becoming a lawyer.