New York’s Runner of the Year

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, the New York State Sportswriters Association announced, Saratoga Springs sophomore Kelsey Chmiel has been selected the New York girls cross country runner of the year by Gatorade after winning the NYSPHSAA and Federation titles this past season and finishing second at the Nike Cross Nationals regional meet. Chmiel, who placed fifth at the national Nike meet in Oregon, is the first runner from the powerful Blue Streaks program to earn the honor, though Gatorade did not start picking recipients in the sport until 2007. She set course records at Saratoga Spa State Park enroute to her league championship and at Chenango Valley State Park while capturing the NYSPHSAA Class A meet title. She also shattered course records at meets in Virginia and Georgia. Chmiel was selected the New York State Sportswriters Association runner of the year at the conclusion of the season.