In its 25th anniversary year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, the Gatorade Company, in conjunction with ESPN RISE, announced its 2009-10 State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year award-winners, representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Mason junior Zach Wills has been selected as the Ohio recipient of this years prestigious honor.  It marks the second year in a row that Wills has received the recogniton.  The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the racecourse.
 
"I'm sure Zach is honored to be chosen for this prestigious award," said his Mason coach Tom Rapp.  "He works hard and races tough - that combined with desire to see his team mates succeed as much as himself makes it a joy to be his coach."
 
2009 has been an incredible year for Wills.  In the summer he was ranked the #1 sophomore in the USA and #9 in the world following his performance at the IAAF World Youth Championships. During his junior CC season this past fall he was undefeated in every meet he competed and concluded the year by winning his second consecutive Ohio Division 1 State CC title.  He is also a two-time state title holder in the 3200 meter track event.  Before his career ends he will most certainly rewrite the Ohio Division 1 record books.
 
"He's been blessed with a lot of God-given talent," said Rapp.  "But without his character he would never be where he is today."
 
For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a list of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, go to www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.