Star Valley’s Habtamu Wetzel is the WyoPreps Athlete of the Year for Boys Cross Country [VIDEO]

The first WyoPreps Athlete of the Year Award in boys’ cross country, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, goes to Star Valley junior Habtamu Wetzel. He won the Class 4A state championship for the second consecutive season. Wetzel crossed the tape at 15:48.30. He was ten seconds ahead of the runner-up, which was his teammate, Jase Burton. Wetzel’s time set a course record at the Cheyenne Country Club last fall. He helped Star Valley win the Class 4A team title for the second straight year, as well.

The junior won four races in the 2023 cross-country season. Wetzel recorded a personal-best time of 15:29.7 and placed ninth in an elite field at the Bob Firman Invitational in Boise, ID. He finished 16th at the Nike Cross National Northwest Regional in November. Wetzel had five of the top ten times in the state last fall.

In the video above, WyoPreps’ David Settle presented the award to Wetzel in Afton. Habtamu was a little surprised by the honor, and reflected on his junior season, winning the 4A state championship, the team title, and more.

Congratulations to Habtamu Wetzel!