As expected, Kamehameha’s Kaeo Kruse was selected as the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year for Hawaii.
Kruse earned his first state title at the end of the fall season with a time of 15 minutes, 38.1 seconds as well as leading the Warriors to the team title. He also won the ILH.
He then finished 33rd at the Foot Locker South Regional championships, the highest Hawaii finisher. He ran a 16:25.7 in that race.
Kruse follows former teammate Davis Kaahanui, who won the two previous years, as the Gatorade winner. Jordan Thibodeau earned the award for Kamehameha in 2010, the last runner to take it without winning the state title. Leilehua’s Margarito Martinez took states that year.
Kruse is now eligible for Gatorade’s national award, which will be announced later this month.
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