Niwot’s Hunter Robbie Leads Team to Historic Cross Country Wins

Niwot senior Hunter Robbie has made headlines by leading his boys’ cross country team to remarkable achievements, including a third consecutive victory at the state meet and a second straight win at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN). The Cougars demonstrated extraordinary performance this fall, culminating in a historic season that has set new benchmarks in Colorado’s competitive 5A classification.

In November 2023, Robbie finished second at the state meet held in Colorado Springs, contributing to his team’s record-setting score of 28 points. This score is the lowest ever recorded for the state meet in the 5A category. Just a week later, the team took to the national stage in Portland, Oregon, securing the high school national championship at NXN. With a combined score of 61 points in the boys’ race, they achieved the fewest points scored in the 21-year history of the competition. Robbie finished closely behind his teammate Quinn Sullivan, placing fifth in a highly competitive field.

Reflecting on their journey, Robbie stated, “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy (at NXN) because there was a bunch of great teams. But I feel like our team just tried harder this year and worked harder this year.” His commitment to excellence and teamwork underscores the Cougars’ ambition to be recognized as one of the best teams in history.

Despite the spotlight on the team’s record, Robbie’s individual achievements are equally impressive. He secured victories in three meets this season, including the Centaurus Bernie Gay Invitational, the St. Vrain Invite, and the Granite Peak League Championships. Additionally, he finished as runner-up in three other significant races, including challenging competitors such as teammate Rocco Culpepper and Jackson Spencer, the fastest runner in the nation.

Niwot coach Kelly Christensen praised Robbie’s passion for the sport, noting, “He just loves to compete. He’s begging me every week to race, even if it’s a JV race.” This enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed, as Duke University has expressed interest in Robbie’s running talent, and he plans to join their program in Durham, North Carolina, in the coming year.

“I think they’re an up-and-coming program, so I thought it would be cool to be a part of a team that is trying to get better every year,” Robbie explained. His drive for improvement mirrors his experience at Niwot, where the team has steadily progressed over the years.

As the season concludes, the Cougars and Robbie stand poised to continue their legacy in cross country, with the potential for even greater achievements on the horizon. Their dedication, teamwork, and remarkable performances have not only earned them accolades but have also inspired young athletes in Colorado and beyond.