On Saturday before the Class 5 medals were given at Gans Creek in Columbia, former Mexico athletic director Jeff Anderson was given the NFHS and MSHSAA Boys Cross Country Official of the Year award.

Anderson said, “This recognition means a great deal to me, but I also recognize that no one reaches this point in their journey alone. I have been blessed to work alongside so many outstanding officials, coaches, athletes, and administrators who share a passion for high school athletics. I especially want to recognize the late Ron Whittaker, who trained me and helped shape the official I am today. Ron was, in my opinion, the best official in the state of Missouri and served as State Meet Referee for more than 20 years. His knowledge, professionalism, integrity, and passion for officiating left a lasting impression on me. I am grateful for the time he invested in me and hope that I have carried forward the standards and traditions he represented so well. I also want to thank my family for their encouragement and support throughout the years. Officiating has never been about recognition or awards; it has always been about serving the sport, supporting our student-athletes, and doing our part to make high school athletics a positive experience. I accept this honor with gratitude and with a commitment to continue serving the sport that has given me so much.”