On Friday, January 16, Coach Neville Anderson was inducted into the Georgia Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Douglasville, Georgia. Coach Anderson was one of seven coaches from across the state honored at the ceremony.

Coach Anderson has been with the Athens Academy cross country and track and field programs since the spring of 2003, and he became head coach of the track and field teams in 2017. That same year, he was recognized as the Brooks Inspiring National Coach of the Year.

“This is a well-deserved honor, and it demonstrates Coach Anderson’s commitment and dedication to the student-athletes under his care for so many years,” said Athletic Director Kevin Petroski. “Athens Academy continues to be fortunate to have him serving as a coach and mentor to the Spartan community. The recognition also validates what we already knew—that Coach Anderson is well respected within the track and field and cross country community in the state and nationally."

Coach Anderson led the Spartans to state championships in track and field in 2017 (girls) and 2023 and 2024 (boys). He has also trained several Athens Academy alumni who went on to compete at the next level, including Henry Dwyer '13 (UGA), Anna Marian Block '18 (UGA, Kennesaw State), Jackson Scruggs '23 (Vanderbilt), and Graham Blanks '20 (Harvard, 2024 Olympics).

“The previous coaches inducted into the GA TFXC Hall of Fame are all legends,” said Coach Anderson. “It gives me goose bumps to think I have been thought of in this category, and, more importantly, it suggests folks from around the state appreciate our program here at Athens Academy.”

Over a dozen current and former Athens Academy runners and their families attended to celebrate with Coach Anderson, including Madison Anderson ’13, Jasmine Barrow ’20, Graham Blanks ’20, Anna Marian Block ’18, Maxwell Bracewell ’25, Alex Branch ’19, Kurt Crymes ’13, Robbie Dillon ’23, Henry Dwyer ’13, Henry Thomas Garrard ’26, Sarah Harrison ’23, Nathalie Lavender ’22, and Austin McGee ’24.

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 59th year, Athens Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #7 private school in Georgia (out of 400+ schools), and #1 private school in North Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or