UPDATE: Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has been named the Daily Camera Boys XC Runner of the Year following his extraordinary performance this fall, culminating in a historic victory at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) this past weekend. The Cougars not only captured their second consecutive national championship but did so with a record-breaking score of 61 points, the fewest in the event’s 21-year history.
Earlier this month, at the state meet in Colorado Springs, Robbie’s second-place finish helped lead his team to a stunning 28-point team score, marking the lowest on record for Colorado’s 5A classification. The Cougars have showcased their dominance, winning the state meet for a third consecutive year and proving their mettle on the national stage.
Robbie, who finished just 1.2 seconds behind teammate Quinn Sullivan at NXN, expressed pride in his team’s relentless effort. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at NXN because there were a bunch of great teams,” Robbie said. “But I feel like our team just tried harder this year and worked harder this year. Even more than last year because we knew we had a chance at being one of the best teams in history.”
His individual accomplishments are remarkable as well. This season, Robbie clinched victory in three meets, including the prestigious Centaurus Bernie Gay Invitational and the St. Vrain Invite, while finishing as runner-up in three others. He faced stiff competition from teammates and rivals alike, proving his prowess on the course.
Niwot coach Kelly Christensen praised Robbie’s competitive spirit. “He just loves to compete. He’s begging me every week to race, even if it’s a JV race,” Christensen remarked. This passion for competition has not gone unnoticed, leading to interest from Duke University, where Robbie plans to continue his running career 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 stated.
As the Cougars continue to etch their name in the annals of cross country history, Robbie’s journey serves as a testament to teamwork, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With eyes set on future championships, the Niwot team aims to further solidify their legacy in the sport.
Stay tuned for updates on Robbie and his teammates as they prepare for their next competitive season, aiming to break even more records and inspire the next generation of runners.
