The Gatorade State Girls 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 Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Calbi Ausmann

THE BASICS

School: Newcastle (Wyo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Distance Runner
Height: 5-foot-7

Athletic achievement: The distance runner raced to her second straight Class 3A individual state championship this past season with a time of 18:39.1, leading the Doggies to a sixth-place finish as a team. A two-time Star-Tribune Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, Ausmann completed an undefeated season this fall, winning the state meet by nearly 30 seconds ahead of the next-fastest competitor.

Academic excellence: Ausmann has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Exemplary character: A member of the National Honor Society, she has served as the vice president of her student body and has volunteered locally at a homeless shelter in addition to donating her time as a youth basketball and swimming coach.

THE PRAISE

“It’s tough to run the (state championship) course in Glenrock, but Calbi Ausmann does so with incredible times even with little competition to push her,” said Tanya Kienlen, head coach at Worland High. “Her state times and accomplishments speak for themselves. I also admire when athletes are humble and I feel as if she always demonstrates great sportsmanship.”

THE FUTURE: Ausmann remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.