Landon Roberts, king of the road and trail. (Jon Roberts photo)
“I am so proud of this young athlete.”
Coupeville High School cross country coach Elizabeth Bitting loves all her runners, but Thursday she reserved a special dose of joy for Landon Roberts.
“He is the epitome of an athlete every coach wants,” Bitting said.
“I hit the jackpot with him choosing cross country!”
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association agrees, tabbing Roberts as one of its Athlete of the Week winners.
The Wolf junior, a captain for the CHS harriers, was honored for his season-long performance.
“Landon Roberts has continuously improved his race times with each competition, showcasing his commitment to self-improvement and his team’s success,” said the release from the WIAA.
“Beyond his athletic achievements, Landon also excels academically. His ability to balance his studies with his athletic pursuits serves as an inspiration to his peers.”
A three-sport athlete and top student, Roberts is also a faithful fan. (Thomas Studer photo)
If he wasn’t already blushing by that point, Jon and Sherry’s favorite son was hailed some more.
“As the team captain, Landon leads by example. He consistently goes above and beyond, always willing to pitch in and support his teammates in any way he can.
“One of Landon’s most commendable qualities is his unwavering dedication to his sport. He is often the last to leave practice, ensuring that he maximizes his training and helps motivate his fellow athletes.
“Landon always maintains a cheerful and positive attitude, uplifting his team’s spirits and establishing a deep sense of camaraderie.”
Roberts, who also plays basketball and baseball for the Wolves, hails from one of the most-successful sports families in Cow Town.
Both of his parents and older sister Lindsey were selected as CHS Athlete of the Year winners, while Uncle Jay Roberts is still on the school’s track and field record board, part of the fastest 4 x 100 relay team in school history.
Toss in a bunch of cousins, some other aunts and uncles, and Grandpa Sandy Roberts, a buzzcut-wearing dynamo on the hardwood back in the day, and it’s a deep roster.
But today one lanky teenager stands atop the pile, hailed by one and all.
This is Landon’s day, and it’s well-deserved.
