UPDATE: Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has just been named the Longmont Times-Call Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year following a historic season for both him and his team. The Cougars secured their third consecutive state meet victory and their second straight win at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) in Portland, Oregon, demonstrating an unprecedented level of excellence in high school cross country.
This past November, Robbie played a crucial role in leading his team to a record-setting state meet in Colorado Springs, where they achieved a team score of just 28 points—the lowest ever recorded in Colorado’s 5A classification. This weekend, they took home the national championship at NXN, scoring only 61 points—the fewest in the 21-year history of the event.
Robbie finished in fifth place, just 1.2 seconds behind teammate Quinn Sullivan, who placed sixth. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at NXN because there were a bunch of great teams,” Robbie stated, reflecting on the challenges faced. “But I feel like our team just tried harder this year… we knew we had a chance at being one of the best teams in history.”
Despite the focus on the team’s remarkable achievements, Robbie’s individual performance has also been exceptional. Throughout the fall season, he secured victories in three meets, including the Centaurus Bernie Gay Invitational and the St. Vrain Invite. He was the runner-up in three additional competitions, showcasing his competitive spirit and dedication.
Niwot coach Kelly Christensen praised Robbie’s enthusiasm for racing. “He’s begging me every week to race, even in JV events. He just loves the competition,” Christensen remarked. This passion for competition has garnered attention from collegiate programs, with Robbie confirming his commitment to Duke University for next year. “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 said.
As the dust settles on this incredible season, Robbie and his teammates will be remembered for their historic accomplishments. Fans and fellow athletes alike are encouraged to follow the story as Robbie transitions to the collegiate level, where he aims to continue his impressive running career.
Stay tuned for more updates on high school sports and the remarkable achievements of athletes like Hunter Robbie.
