Niwot’s Hunter Robbie Wins XC Runner of the Year, Team Makes History

UPDATE: Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has just been named the Longmont Times-Call boys cross-country runner of the year, capping an incredible season that saw his team make history. The Cougars triumphed at the state meet in Colorado Springs with a record-low team score of 28 points, and this past weekend, they clinched the national championship at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) in Portland, Oregon with only 61 points—the fewest in the meet’s 21-year history.

Robbie finished second at the state meet in November, only 1.2 seconds behind teammate Quinn Sullivan, as Niwot secured its third consecutive state title. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at NXN,” Robbie stated. “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.”

The Cougars’ remarkable season also included victories in multiple meets, where Robbie won at the Centaurus Bernie Gay Invitational, the St. Vrain Invite, and the Granite Peak League Championships. His individual accolades were impressive, but they took a backseat to the team’s historic achievements.

“Hunter just loves to compete,” said Niwot coach Kelly Christensen, who noted the senior’s enthusiasm for racing. “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. He has confirmed plans to join the Blue Devils 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,” Robbie explained, drawing parallels to his experience at Niwot.

This stellar performance and the Cougars’ historic season have captured the attention of the athletic community, making them a team to watch in the future. As Robbie prepares for his transition to collegiate athletics, his legacy at Niwot is solidified—a testament to hard work and dedication in the world of high school athletics.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to celebrate the achievement and share the news of Robbie and the Cougars’ remarkable journey in cross country. What’s next for this talented runner and his team? Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to make headlines in the world of sports.