CHA's Wilson named Gatorade runner of year in PA

Chestnut Hill Academy senior Dustin Wilson, who has earned all-Inter-Ac League, all-state, and all-American honors during his cross-country career, has another national award to add to his accolades.

He has been named the 2011-12 Gatorade Pennsylvania Boys' Cross-Country Runner of the Year.

Coach Paul Hines called the honor "icing on the cake" to a great career.

The award recognizes the student-athlete who most excels athletically and academically and exhibits exemplary character.

This past season, Wilson finished in 13th place at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships and fifth at the Northeast Regional championships. He won the Pennsylvania Independent Schools championship, the Paul Short Run, and the Briarwood Invitational.

In addition, he has maintained a 4.0 grade point average at Chestnut Hill.

"He's also quite a scholar," said Hines, who taught Wilson's seventh-grade history class. ". . . He doesn't have a big ego for an athlete of his status. He's very personable among people."

Wilson, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, will attend Columbia University this fall and will compete in both cross-country and track and field.

Previous winners of the Gatorade Runner of the Year award in Pennsylvania include North Penn's Brad Miles (2009-10) and Lower Merion's Ben Furcht (2008-09).

The selection committee, led by ESPNHS and Gatorade, recognizes winners from 12 sports in all 50 states.

Contact staff writer Brian Kotloff at 215-854-4550

or bkotloff@phillynews.com.