Lynbrook freshman Justin Robison got good news during finals week: he'd been named to the All State Freshman Cross Country Team. In a statewide vote by coaches, Justin finished in the top fifteen freshman runners in the entire State of California.
According to the prepcaltrack.com website, "After running solid at his league final, ran out of his mind at the Central Coast Section Finals, ripping 15:56 at Toro Park to place sixth in Division II and advance to state." Justin is also listed on the All-Northern California "Fab Frosh" First Team, noted as 'the strongest in Golden State history.'
Justin started running at Miller. Along with Miller and now Lynbrook teammates Sean Silverman and Ryan Sadjadi, Justin was one of three freshman invited to join the Cross Country team at the 'Iolani Cross Country Invitational at Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii. The boys ran on the same day they flew to Hawaii, with a lot of uphill battles. Justin finished 4th in the JV event.
After earning a spot at the Central Coast Section finals, Justin had an 'amazing day' and qualified for the State finals. He was the only Lynbrook runner to go to States. Coach Jake White prepared Justin with hill runs, long runs, and extra Saturday workouts. Justin was nervous at States, and said he realized he needs to learn more about about what and when to eat before big races. "I was so happy I got there!"
The day after States, races were held in Folsom for the Region 14 Junior Olympics. Additional coaching by Brad Armstrong (owner of Athletic Performance in Willow Glen) and Susie Blake helped Justin run fast and become the Section Champion. This qualified him to run at the National Junior Olympic Cross Country races. Justin's grandfather, Ted Robison, a former track runner, flew in from San Diego and joined Justin in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Justin said it was fun to be around his grandfather and he was happy to see how much his grandfather loved to see him run. Over 300 runners were in his race.
"I love the atmosphere of how nervous everyone is." Fighting stomach cramps and altitude sickness, with an average mile time of 5:28.4 minutes, Justin finished eleventh in the Junior Olympics Nationals!
After all of the extra practices and running, Justin is looking forward to a short break before track season starts up. He's looking at running the one mile and two mile events, because "that's what I like."
Congratulations, Justin!
