West Central Michigan News

Ryan Watson, a former cross country and track & field standout at Central Michigan University (CMU), will be inducted into the CMU Marcy Weston Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, at McGuirk Arena, followed by an introduction at the CMU-Ball State football game on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Watson competed at CMU from 1998 to 2000 and will join wrestling coach Tom Borrelli, basketball/baseball player Chad Pleiness, gymnast Sarah Dame, football player Eric Fisher, and volleyball player Kaitlyn (Schultz) Miller in this year's Hall of Fame class.

A native of Cedar Springs who initially ran at Saginaw Valley State before transferring to CMU, Watson earned the Most Outstanding Performer Award at the 2000 Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships by winning both the 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs. He also placed fifth twice in the MAC Cross Country Championships.

In 1998, Watson finished 33rd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships to earn All-America honors and led the Chippewas to a 20th-place finish. The following year he helped CMU secure the MAC cross country title.

After majoring in sports administration and minoring in business as a student-athlete, Watson pursued a career as an analyst but later sought more active work. In his forties, he enrolled in the Michigan State Police Training Academy.

"I'm a mover and a shaker," Watson said. "I'm itching to get out at the end of the day."

The academy's rigorous training program proved challenging but rewarding for Watson. "They put you through the ringer," he noted. "It was quite the mental and physical challenge."

Upon completion of his training, Watson served as a state trooper for 18 months before returning to his analyst career. He currently works for Priority Health and resides in Big Rapids with his wife Erika and their four children.

Reflecting on his time in law enforcement, Watson stated: "It's a very dangerous profession... I wanted to come home safe at night and I wanted to be there for my family a little bit more."

Despite leaving law enforcement behind, Watson remains active in athletics as the girls' cross country coach at Big Rapids High School and continues running regularly. He also oversees a youth basketball program with Erika in Reed City.

Running has taught him valuable life lessons that he now imparts to others: "Stay focused and don't give up; don't give up on your dreams... It's never too late as long as you're willing and able and have a good mindset."