Boys Runner of the Year: Aidan Troutner, Timpview
1ST TEAM
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1. Aidan Troutner, Timpview, Senior
I hope everyone can agree with me that Aidan was the right choice for this pick. Troutner not only owned Utah but he took the entire nation by storm. Aidan had an undefeated season and finished right where he belonged at number one. Aidan was just 6 seconds off of Casey Clinger's State Record of 14:42, but his time of 14:48 is good enough for the spot right below Clinger. Troutner will be joining one of the best XC College programs in BYU after serving a two year LDS mission.
2. Brandon Garnica, Springville, Senior
Brandon has always been one of the best runners in Utah this season. But what he did at NXR-SW and NXN is what makes him the first one behind the National Champion. He was 4th at NXR-SW finishing 1 spot over Ryan Raff who had been a top 10 ranked individual for a majority of the season. Then to prove that his performance over Raff was no fluke, he beat Raff yet again but this time at NXN finishing 20th over the entire field and claiming 3rd team All-American honors.
3. Ryan Raff, Lehi, Senior
Ryan had an incredible season and he achieved his ultimate goal of qualifying to NXN. Along the way he picked up huge wins at Bob Firman, and the Grass Relays. Ryan also grabbed his first ever State title in the 4A Boys State Race with the 3rd fastest time of the day. Ryan ran some pretty great PRs this season such as 14:23.70 for 3 miles, and 14:56 for a 5K.
4. Grant Gardner, Springville, Junior
Grant was projected to be leading the Red Devils this season but was passed up by B. Garnica in the end. Grant still finished before Brandon at Regions and State and was just as big of a contributor to the team as he was. Grant repeated his runner up performance this year at State but this time it was to the eventual national champion Aidan Troutner. Grant will be the top returner next season and he will for sure have his eyes set on an individual state title.
5. Roberto Porras, Olympus, Senior
Roberto was a bit more quiet this season as he was finishing just behind teammate Jima Rout. But after State he must've changed something in his routine because he went on to place 15th at NXR-SW, 5th at FL West, and was the top guy out of Utah at Footlocker Nationals finishing 30th overall. Roberto has proven that he is one of the best in Utah.
6. Bronson Winter, Fremont, Senior
Bronson Winter was the second guy from Utah to cross the finish line at Footlocker Nationals. Winter had a nice season with wins at Utah State, Regions, and he also won the 6A Class State Race. Bronson did not go down to AZ but decided to try FL West and he managed to qualify by finishing 7th in the field. At Footlocker, Bronson was the 31st finisher in a time of 16:23.70 for a 5K.
7. Zachary Winter, Fremont, Senior
Zachary and Bronson Winter managed to not only perform one of the best 1-2 punch in the state. But they also managed to be the best twin duo by just beating out the Garnica twins. All season, Zachary and Bronson have been trading places between 1st and 2nd in just about every race they ran in. There truly wasn't a better twin this season so it's only appropriate that they end up right next to each other.