Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Bruce Jamison was an outstanding track star at Waycross High School from 1982-86, competing in both cross country and track and field events for the Bulldogs.
Throughout his high school career, he delivered many exceptional performances, but 1986 proved to be his best year yet.
Coming off an impressive 1985 season where he was named the track team’s MVP, Jamison was determined to elevate his performance even further as a senior. Focused on surpassing his previous achievements and securing back-to-back MVP honors, he dedicated himself to rigorous training and his hard work paid off.
In 1986, Jamison’s accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary. He won the individual state championship in the 800 meters, was state runner-up in the 1,600 meters, and also qualified for the state meet in the 1,600-meter relay.
His dominance on the track earned him his second consecutive MVP award. Jamison set a Waycross High School record in the 800 meters with a time of 1:56.8. Recognized both locally and statewide, he was named to the all-Region and All-State track teams in 1986.
With Jamison’s contributions, the WHS track team secured three consecutive region championships from 1984-86. At the state meet, the team finished sixth overall, with Jamison single-handedly scoring 18 individual points.
While he was an exceptional athlete, Jamison was also an outstanding student. His hard work in both athletics and academics earned him the prestigious U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award.
Reflecting on his career, Bruce Jamison shared: “Breaking the school record in the half-mile with a time of 1:56.8 and winning the state championship were the most significant moments of my athletic career. A record can always be broken, but a state championship is forever.
“That victory proved to me that with time, patience, and relentless hard work, I could achieve my goals. More importantly, it taught me that success is never a solo journey. Behind every accomplishment, there must be a strong support system — dedicated coaches, committed teammates, and those who push you to be better.
“Coach Herring, coach Sampson and my teammates played a crucial role in my success, reinforcing the lesson that individual achievements are built on collective effort. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me made all the difference.”
Jamison spoke at length about the impact of Coach Herring (HoF Class of 2017) on both his track career and his life: “Coach Herring was more than a coach, he was a mentor who led by example. He didn’t just teach me how to run, he taught me how to work for what I wanted, to push past my perceived limitations, and to always strive for growth. His influence has stayed with me long after my track days ended, shaping the way I approach challenges in every aspect of my life.”
After high school, Jamison attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) from 1986-90, where he earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. While excelling in the classroom, he also thrived on the track and cross country teams.
Competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), he achieved numerous Top 10 finishes and multiple second-place finishes in various events.
At the 1988 MEAC championships, Jamison helped FAMU win the two-mile indoor relay, setting a meet record. The previous year, in 1987, he set a school record by running a 1:51 relay leg on the 4x800 relay team.
As a key contributor to the FAMU program, Jamison earned numerous awards throughout his collegiate career, including:
• Most Dedicated Runner (1987)
• Workhorse Award (1988-89)
• MVP (1990)
• Four-Year letterman in Cross Country and Track & Field (1986-90) During Jamison’s time at FAMU, the team achieved remarkable success, winning:
• Two MEAC Outdoor Track Conference Championships (1988-89)
• The MEAC Indoor Track Conference Championship (1989)
• The MEAC Cross Country Conference Championship (1988) Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Jamison has made a lasting impact in both his hometown community and beyond. Today, he serves as a Support Program Manager, bringing over 30 years of extensive operational and professional experience with a leading electric utility company in Florida.
He is the proud son of Mr. Robert B. Jamison and Mrs. Gwendolyn Margie Jamison.
Jamison is a widower, formerly married to Glenda Washington-Jamison, and has two children, Dr. Aisha S. Jamison and Bruce Jamel Jamison.
