It has been said that there are no shortcuts to success.

Two Rivers’ Sam Bianchi, this year’s HTR Media boys cross country Runner of the Year, is a prime example of that.

The junior runner ran about 500 miles during the summer to prepare himself for this season.

“He’s probably our leading runner in terms of putting in miles on his own,” Two Rivers head coach Greg Erickson said. “He called me every Sunday with the miles he put in.”

Bianchi was able to reap the fruits of his labor. He took top honors at several meets, including the Kiel, Two Rivers, and Luxemburg-Casco Invitationals. He also earned his first ever berth to the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country boys race where he finished 34th.

“He has really improved a lot. As a freshman, the potential was there,” Erickson said. “He has that certain ability in a race to get to the next level. He is really working at what he is doing right now.”

Two Rivers is slated to bring back all but one runner from this year’s squad, including Bianchi. Erickson takes some peace of mind from knowing that his top runner will be back in the fold.

“When you go to meet and you can have your No. 1 runner finish in the top 10, that’s a huge scoring advantage,” Erickson said. “He works really, really hard. He’s a good runner, but he has made himself that way through all of his hard work.”

HTR Media All-Area Boys CC Team

Sam Bianchi, jr., Two Rivers (ROY)

Nathan Grall, so., Two Rivers

Derek Doescher, jr., Valders

Thomas Schwoerer, jr., Valders

Tomerot Lambert, so., Roncalli

Michael Thompson, sr., Manitowoc Lincoln