Barry Williamson
Class of 2019
Barry Williamson was one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes to emerge from Grissom High School in the mid-1990s, excelling in football, wrestling and track and field. Yet it was in track that Williamson left his greatest mark, establishing himself as one of the premier pole vaulters to come from North Alabama.
The son of longtime Grissom track coach Adam Williamson, Barry grew up immersed in the sport and developed a passion for track and field that quickly translated into success. By his senior season he had become one of the most decorated athletes in the Huntsville city track meet.
Williamson earned All-City honors in three demanding events — the pole vault, the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles — demonstrating rare versatility across technical and speed disciplines. His performance across multiple events made him one of the most valuable athletes in the meet.
Among his accomplishments that season were a second-place finish in the 330-yard hurdles, participation on Grissom’s winning 4x100 relay team and a remarkable high jump of 7 feet, 10 inches. His dominance in the city meet earned him the Jimmy Bailey High Point Score Award, presented annually to the competition’s top overall performer.
Williamson also excelled in the multi-event format of the decathlon. At the Alabama State decathlon championships he placed fifth and set a state record in the pole vault, further demonstrating his exceptional ability in the event.
His success earned him a track scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he lettered as a freshman and became the only UAB men’s track athlete to compete in the prestigious Penn Relays.
Williamson later transferred to Auburn University, where he continued to excel as a four-year track letterman. His performances there cemented his reputation as one of the Tigers’ finest indoor and outdoor pole vaulters in program history.
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