UPDATE: Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has been named the Daily Camera boys cross country runner of the year following a sensational season that culminated in historic achievements for his team. Just this past weekend, the Niwot Cougars secured victory at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) in Portland, Oregon, marking their second consecutive national championship.
The Cougars’ performance was nothing short of remarkable. At the Colorado state meet in November, Robbie led the team to a record-breaking score of just 28 points, the lowest in Colorado’s 5A classification. This unprecedented achievement set the stage for their triumph at NXN, where they scored 61 points, the fewest ever recorded in the event’s 21-year history.
Robbie finished just 1.2 seconds behind junior teammate Quinn Sullivan, placing fifth overall, while Sullivan took sixth. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at NXN because there were a bunch of great teams,” said Robbie, emphasizing the team’s hard work and determination this season.
Despite his individual accolades, Robbie remains grounded. He prefers to spotlight the team’s achievements rather than his own. This season alone, he won three meets and secured runner-up finishes in three others, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Niwot’s coach, Kelly Christensen, praised Robbie’s passion for racing. “He just loves to compete,” Christensen stated, revealing that Robbie often requests to participate in races, even when not required. “It fuels him.”
As Robbie prepares to transition to Duke University next year, he reflects on the similarities between his high school experience and what awaits him at college. “I think they’re an up-and-coming program, so I thought it would be cool to be a part of a team that is trying to get better every year,” he explained.
The Cougars’ historic season is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and unwavering team spirit. As fans celebrate this momentous achievement, all eyes will be on Robbie and his teammates as they continue to break barriers in the world of cross country.
Stay tuned for more updates on Robbie’s journey and the future of the Niwot Cougars!
