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: Matt Hynes

THE BASICS

School: Montpelier (Vt.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Distance Runner
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 130 pounds

Athletic achievement: He raced to the Division 2 individual state championship this past season with a time of 16:59.8, leading the Solons to the state title as a team. Hynes also won the Burlington Invitational and the NVAC Mountain Division championship, and finished 11th at the New England Cross Country Championships.

Academic excellence: Hynes has maintained a 3.39 GPA.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of a homeless shelter and environmental preservation efforts.

THE PRAISE

“Matt has been a phenomenal performer and competitor for three years,” said Montpelier coach Tim Noonan. “He is a coach’s dream … and he led our team to Montpelier’s first state team championship since 1986.”

THE FUTURE: Hynes will begin his senior year of high school this fall.