Shiohira Earns Cross Country Award

— Jacob Shiohira continued what has become a trend between Northwest Arkansas’ cross country runners and recognition from Gatorade.

The sophomore became the second Tiger in as many years to be named the Arkansas boys cross country runner of the year, following Will Aenchbacher’s nomination last year. Area runners have earned the award five of the six years it’s been presented by Gatorade.

“It’s sunk in a little bit,” Shiohira said. “There are lots of good guys around the state, and to get this after a long line of talented runners, it’s pretty humbling, yet awesome.

“It’s sunk in a little bit, but it never gets old. It was a tough year of cross country, so to see all the work pay off, it feels pretty good.”

Shiohira
Shiohira

Shiohira (5-foot-7, 145 pounds) won the Class 7A individual state title in November when he finished the 5-kilometer course at Oaklawn Park in 15 minutes, 37.8 seconds. The performance helped Bentonville’s boys win their fourth consecutive state title, and he earned all-state honors, as well as being named the boys runner of the year by NWA Media.

He also earned a spot in the Nike Cross Nationals South Regional championships, where he finished seventh. He also qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals Final, where he was hampered by a muddy course.

“It’s great to have back-to-back Gatorade runners of the year,” Bentonville coach Randy Ramaker said. “It shows they are doing things right, and working hard. They deserve everything they get.”

The award not only recognizes excellence in athletics, but academics and community service. Shiohira excels in the classroom, where he sports a 4.1 grade point average, and he is also a talented saxophone and clarinet player.

“He’s the total package,” Ramaker said. “He’s qualified in all those areas, and that makes it an easy choice.”

Area runners have also dominated the girls cross country awards. Rogers High’s Maggie Montoya won the state honor for two straight years, and local runners have earned it five of the six years the award has been presented.

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