The Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runners of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Viraj Deokar

THE BASICS

School: Middlesex School (Concord, Mass.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Distance Runner
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 127 pounds

Athletic achievement: He raced to a New England Preparatory School Track Association Division III Cross Country state championship this past season with a time of 15:54. A 2015 Boston Globe Boys’ Cross Country All-Scholastic Team selection, Deokar also took sixth at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional championships, crossing the line in 16:03.1. He went on to compete at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships, finishing 20th in 15:40.

Academic excellence: Deokar has maintained an A average.

Exemplary character: A talented saxophonist and a staff writer for his school newspaper, he is a member of the chess club and the robotics club. He has also volunteered locally on behalf of Open Table.

THE PRAISE

“Viraj Deokar’s accomplishments are extremely impressive,” said Jon Waldron, head coach at Concord Academy. “He has also always impressed me as a good person who is humble about his own abilities and encouraging to others.”

THE FUTURE: Deokar will attend Princeton University this fall, where he will compete in cross country and track and field.