A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Chandler Diffee

THE BASICS

School: LaFollette (Madison, Wis.)
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-foot

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Diffee raced to the Division I individual state championship this past season with a time of 15:35.47. The 2011 Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Male Runner of the Year, he earned fourth place at the Nike Cross Nationals Heartland Regional championships, crossing the line in 15:32.9. He qualified for the 2011 Nike Cross Nationals Final, where he took 37th in 15:55.

Academic excellence: Diffee has maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: An accomplished artist and guitarist, he has volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with the National Honor Society.

THE PRAISE

“Chandler Diffee dedicated himself to being the best runner he could be this fall and it showed,” said Tom Kaufmann, head coach of rival West (Madison, Wis.). “He is a champion in every sense of the word.”

THE FUTURE: Diffee will begin his senior year of high school this fall.