West Hartford Resident Is State Cross Country Runner of the Year

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A sophomore standout from Conard High School has been recognized as the top male cross country athlete in the state with his selection as the Gatorade Connecticut Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. Gavin Sherry, the first Conard runner to receive the award, is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year award, to be announced in February.

The 5-foot-6, 125-pound Sherry raced to the State Open individual championship in November with a time of 15:38. He also won the Class LL title, leading the Chieftains to the team crown. After winning the New England Championships, he took second at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional championships and finished 14th nationally at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in San Diego, earning All-American honors. Sherry also chalked up wins at the Ocean State Invitational and the Haddad Windham Invitational.

“Gavin’s largest asset this season was a mental toughness, wherein he welcomed the competition and realized that it brought out the best in him,” Conard coach Ron Knapp said. “His approach to training and racing matured each week.”

Sherry has maintained an A average in the classroom, and has also volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives.