WINFIELD — It has been quite a memorable senior year for Winfield’s Brayden Marshall.
Marshall finished his final high school cross-country season by claiming his third-consecutive Class AA state individual title with a time of 15:29.62 — a full 45 seconds faster than second place.
His performance in Ona helped the Generals win the Class AA state team title.
He went to San Diego in December and competed in the Foot Locker Cross Country Nationals, in which he finished fifth.
Marshall is also the 2023-24 Gatorade West Virginia Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, becoming the second Winfield runner to win that award.
Marshall can now add recipient of the McCoy Male Athlete of the Year — the first Winfield runner to receive this award — to his list of accomplishments.
Jefferson’s Keyshawn Robinson and Hurricane’s Ty Steorts finished as the runners-up.
“This is a great reflection of all the work that has been put in by him,” Generals cross-country and track and field coach Shawn Anderson said. “Obviously, he’s done well here at Winfield. He was a known entity coming from middle school. Brayden has grabbed everything by the reins here and blossomed and became a tremendous runner for us.
“I cannot say enough good things about him. His character, integrity and morals are all top-notch.”
Marshall’s career is not finished, as he will continue running at North Carolina State University.
His accolades speak volumes to the career he has pieced together.
However, Anderson believes the lasting impact Marshall will have on his teammates will mean more than records or accomplishments.
“His humbleness and leadership will leave a mark here,” Anderson said. “You see him at meets and he’s congratulating everybody. He doesn’t bring on any kind of recognition to himself. He’s not that vocal, but he leads by example. He goes over and talks to all of our runners and motivates them.”
Marshall has continually exceeded his previous times in state meets, both in cross-country and track.
His time in last year’s state cross-country meet was 21 seconds faster than his time in 2022, 15:50.11.
“His drive is top-notch,” Anderson said. “He comes out every day prepared and ready to go. You never see him down. He’s always up. That rubs off on everybody else that’s around him. It makes your teammates want to follow you and get better as well. That’s part of the leadership.”
Anderson will miss Marshall running in kelly green and white.
However, he knows North Carolina State is getting a competitor.
“They’re getting a well-rounded young man who can bring a lot to the table,” Anderson said. “He will continue growing at NC State, especially under their leadership down there. They are a well-known track and cross-country program. Their coaches are top-notch. Brayden is going to get better down there, and I cannot wait to watch.”
The award was determined by balloting of the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. The list of past honorees may be found on wvswa.org. The voting runners-up and winner will be recognized on May 5 at the 77th annual Victory Awards Dinner at River City in Wheeling.
By TAYLOR KENNEDY/Charleston Gazette-Mail
