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: Clayton Young

THE BASICS

School: American Fork (Utah)
Grade: Senior
Height: 5-foot-10

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Young raced to third place at the Nike Cross Nationals Southwest Regional this past season with a time of 15:14.7. The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, he was 24th at the NXN Final, leading the Cavemen to a sixth-place finish as a team. He also finished third at the Class 5A state meet, helping American Fork to the team title, and earned victories at the Wasatch Invitational, the Nebo Invitational and the Provo Bulldog Invitational.

Academic excellence: Young has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: An Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, he has volunteered locally at retirement homes, a food bank and a rehabilitation center.

THE PRAISE

“It’s rare in our program to have a four-year varsity athlete contribute like Clayton has,” said American Fork head coach Timo Mostert. “He has an incredible motor and has put in a lot of hard work to develop. This year he really helped the younger guys coming up too.”

THE FUTURE: Young remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.