Overall Runner of The Year
Owen McArdle (Yorktown)
Nothing is better than seeing an athlete improve year after year and go from running 23:05 in 2018 to running 15:05 as a senior and winning a state XC title. Not to forget, he made the Eastbay National meet as well in San Diego, something few VA athletes have ever done.
Owen began the season with a 16:16 win at the Great Meadow Invitational. He then ran strong throughout September but when October and November came around he was another runner. He notched victories at Glory Days Grill Invite, Region 6D (arguable the hardest region in the state), and then ultimately at Class 6 states.
Owen raced 12 of the top ranked 14 guys (in our subjective rankings) and beat all of them at least once. His season was fast, competitive, and ultimately saw him land in the top spot. Owen McArdle is VA's runner of the year.