“Josh is a future superstar. If he stays healthy, he will break four minutes [in the mile] while in high school. He has a great work ethic. He pays the price through hard work.”

Rod O’Donnell

Head Coach - head coach of Parkersburg High

Athletic Excellence

Also a two-time Gatorade West Virginia Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, the 5-foot-7, 125-pound junior swept the 1,600 and 3,200-meter run events at the Class AAA state meet this past season, leading the Hawks to a third-place finish as a team. Edwards set a meet record in the 3200 and also ran the anchor leg on University’s winning 4x800-meter relay quartet. At the time of his selection, Edwards’ personal-best 3200 time of 8:49.04 at the Mountaineer Showcase in May was a state record and ranked No. 8 nationally among 2021 prep competitors. He also ranked in the Top 10 nationally in the 1600 and the 2-mile run.

Academic Achievement

Edwards has maintained a 3.97 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Edwards has volunteered locally with the Special Olympics and as a youth running coach.