This isn’t a shock — Lyons’ Paul Roberts has been named Colorado’s Gatorade boys cross country runner of the year.
A day after Air Academy’s Katie Rainsberger won Gatorade national honors, the Lions’ senior became the first in-state male to win four consecutive individual titles, all in Class 2A, and he had the best times the past two seasons, including 15 minutes, 33.7 seconds the past October. He also led Lyons to the team title.
As one of only six runners nationally who competed in the two national races, Roberts was fifth in the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in San Diego and 11th at the Nike Cross Nationals in Arizona. In regional qualifying, Roberts was second at the Foot Locker Midwest and third at the Nike Midwest.
“Paul’s accomplishments are just really the tip of the iceberg,” Lyons assistant coach Jeff Boele said. “I consider myself fortunate to get to work with such a unique and gifted athlete. Even as a freshman, he responded brilliantly to the added pressures of being the top runner on the team, and he has continued to build on that foundation as a great role model the pas three years.”
Roberts also maintains an A average academically, is vice-resident of his class and volunteers his time.
He will run next school year at Colorado State-Pueblo.
Roberts joins in-state Gatorade runners of the year Eric Hamer (2014-15, Palmer Ridge), Zach Alhamra (2013-14, Pine Creek), Ashi Geberkidane (2012-13, Denver East), Ty Williams (2011-12, Telluride), Spencer Wenck (2010-11, Palmer Ridge), Scott Fauble (2009-10, Wheat Ridge), Evan Appel (2008-09, Dakota Ridge), and Kevin Williams (2007-08, D’Evelyn) who have been honored since the award’s inception in 2007.
