test

Bio

Justin Watson enters his fourth year as head cross country coach at the University of Tennessee Southern in 2023. Previously, Watson spent two seasons as the Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of West Florida.  

Watson joined the UTS staff in October of 2020.

In the 2022-23 season, Watson’s 3rd season with the Firehawks, the UTS both the men’s and women’s programs saw many record performances. For the men, transfer junior Titus Korir lowered the men’s 8k record to 25:51 at the Bobcat Invitational. Titus was also named runner of the week, his first and the program's second time earning this honor. The men had their highest finish at the Mid South Conference Championship in program history at 6th. Both Jr. Titus Korir and Fr. Matthew Andrea earned Second Team All Conference honors at the championship race. Olvia Barksdale, a Fr. on the women’s team, lowered the fastest 5k time in program history to 19:55, and earned runner of the week honors, which is a first for the Women’s program.

In the 2021-22 season, Watson’s 2nd season with the Firehawks,  the UTS men continued their progress under. Azariah Kaplelach and Josh Iglus earned Mid-South All Conference Honors at the Mid South Conference Championship. Further, Azariah earned the program’s first Mid South Runner of the week honors, and first individual championship during the Firehawk Invitational. The men improved their highest finish in the conference standings to 7th in the 2021 Mid South Conference Championship. Briley Bain of the women’s team took 6 of the top 10 ten spots on the All Time 5k times for the Firehawks. The women posted an 11th place finish at the conference championships. Four Firehawks earned All Academic All Conference honors. 

In the 2020-21 season, Watson led the Men’s and Women’s programs to 9th and 10th respective finishes at the Mid South Conference Championships. Men's cross country runner Azariah Kaplelach earned All-Mid South Conference honors, first in program history. Additionally, 6 Firehawks earned All-Academic All-Conference Honors. Further, during the regular season the men earned their first 1st place finish at the first meet hosted by the Firehawks. 

Watson is originally from Rogersville, AL. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Health and a Minor in Mathematics from the University of North Alabama. He then earned his Masters of Science in Physical Education and Human Performance from the University of West Florida. 

Now, Coach Watson, was a collegiate runner from 2014-18 at the University of North Alabama. During his tenure there he saw the UNA transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. At the time of his graduation Watson held 5 of 10 8k times, including the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fastest times. Watson also tied for the 4th fastest 10k time, held the fastest 7k time, and the fastest 5k time at the time of his graduation at the University of North Alabama. 

Watson earned All Gulf South Conference Honors in 2016 and 2017. He earned NCAA DII All Region honors in 2017. Further, was the individual champion at the Stan Sims Invitational in 2017 and UAH Invitational in 2018. As of the 2021 cross country season Watson still holds the highest individual finish for North Alabama at the NCAA Division I ASUN conference championships at 15th.

Watson was named to the North Alabama All Decade Team (2010-2019).  

Coach Watson is married to his wife Laura Watson.