Vestavia's Ethan Strand Named State's Top Runner

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Vestavia High School's Ethan Strand, who is no stranger to accolades, was named the Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year for Alabama. Strand dominated in cross country and track and field throughout his career at VHHS.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Strand as Alabama's best high school boys track and field athlete.

Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Player of the Year award, Strand joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lolo Jones (1997-98, Roosevelt High School, Iowa), Allyson Felix (2002-03, Los Angeles Baptist High School, Calif.), Robert Griffin III (2006-07, Copperas Cove High School, Texas), Grant Fisher (2013-14 & 2014-15, Grand Blanc High School, Mich.) and Candace Hill (2014-15, Rockdale County High School, Ga.).

Strabd swept the 800-, 1600- and 3200-meter runs at the Class 7A state meet this past season, helping the Rebels win the state team title. Alabama's two-time returning Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, Strand clocked personal-best times in five events this past season, including the 800 (1:52.73), the 1600 (4:11.77), the mile (4:07.90), the 3200 (9:12.88) and the two-mile (8:59.90).

At the time of his selection, he ranked among the nation's Top 20 2021 prep competitors in two events, including No. 7 in the 2-mile and No. 17 in the mile, as well as No. 67 in the 800 and No. 76 in the 1600.

"Ethan had an outstanding career and senior year," said Vestavia Hills head coach Brett Huber. "He demonstrated leadership in a way that was really remarkable this season, putting his teammates above himself. In terms of training and performance, this was the best balancing act of his career and we're awfully proud of what he's accomplished."

Strand has maintained a 4.17 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in cross country and track and field on scholarship at the University of North Carolina this fall.