UPDATE: Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has been named the Longmont Times-Call boys XC runner of the year following his remarkable performance leading the Cougars to victory in both the state meet and the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN).
This fall, Robbie helped secure a historic state win with a team score of just 28 points, the lowest ever recorded in Colorado’s 5A classification. His second-place finish at the state meet in Colorado Springs in November was pivotal to this achievement.
The excitement continued this past weekend as the Cougars triumphed at NXN in Portland, Oregon, clinching their second consecutive national championship. With a staggering score of only 61 points in the boys race, they set a new benchmark, marking the fewest points scored in the 21-year history of the meet. Robbie and teammate Quinn Sullivan finished in fifth and sixth place, just 1.2 seconds apart.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at NXN because there were a bunch of great teams,” Robbie stated. “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.”
Robbie, who has consistently excelled this season, notched victories in three major meets, including the Centaurus Bernie Gay Invitational and the St. Vrain Invite. He finished as runner-up in three others, showcasing his competitive spirit and dedication to the sport.
His coach, Kelly Christensen, praised Robbie’s drive, saying, “He just loves to compete. He’s begging me every week to race, even if it’s a JV race.” This passion for competition has not gone unnoticed, as Duke University has expressed interest in Robbie’s talents, with plans for him to join their team in Durham, North Carolina next year.
Robbie reflected on his decision to join Duke, explaining, “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. It is kind of like at Niwot. We improved every year, so it’s similar in the way.”
As the Cougars celebrate their historic achievements, Robbie’s individual accomplishments and relentless spirit highlight the emotional investment of high school sports, making this a season to remember. The focus will now shift to what lies ahead for Robbie and his teammates as they look to continue their legacy in the upcoming years.
Stay tuned for more updates on local sports and the remarkable journey of Hunter Robbie and the Niwot Cougars.
