Will Grimmett is ready to hit the ground running.

The Cold Springs senior signed a cross country scholarship with Jefferson State Community College on Wednesday — he was surrounded by family, friends, teammates, coaches and administrators inside the high school library — and will join coach Gerald Johnson’s program beginning in 2020.

The Pioneers compete in the Alabama Community College Conference along with Wallace State.

“It feels amazing, because it’s been a dream since I was little to get a sports scholarship,” Grimmett said. “Some of my family went to Jefferson State, and I’ve heard good stuff about it. When I get there, I’m really hoping to get my education and get better at running so hopefully I can go to a university.”

Grimmett was a steady contributor for the Eagles, who won all 10 meets they entered this past season.

Cold Springs won team titles at the Pepsi XC Challenge, Chickasaw Trails Invitational, TCBY Invitational, Kudzu Hills Invitational, Jesse Owens Classic, Oktoberfest Invitational, Cullman County meet, Northwest Alabama Championships, Class 1A/2A, Section 2 meet and Class 1A/2A state meet.

He finished ninth at the state meet as the Eagles claimed their first state championship since 2015.

Grimmett has also taken home valuable lessons — in addition to several pieces of well-earned hardware — during his successful tenure with Cold Springs.

“Never take anything for granted and always keep working,” he said.

First-year coach Casey Howell noticed Grimmett’s work ethic right away — both on and off the course.

So it’s no surprise to him that the soon-to-be graduate is heading to the collegiate level.

“Couldn’t happen to a better kid,” Howell said. “I’m extremely proud of him and grateful for everything he’s done for this program since he was an eighth-grader. He left a great example to others on how to do things the right way. We’ll be praying for him, and we love him. We’ll be thinking about him every day.”