It is a designation that Jim Rosa can now share with the likes of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
Rosa, a senior cross country runner at North, was named the 2010-11 Gatorade New Jersey Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. He joins his twin brother, Joe, who previously earned the designation, as the second runner from North to be recognized by the award.
Rosa joins an elite association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Jeter (1991-92.) and Sanchez (2004-05). The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE, made the announcement last month.
This past fall, Rosa raced to the Group 3 individual state championship with a time of 15:46. Rosa also won the state Meet of Champions in 15:15 and the Nike Northeast Regional championships in a course-record time of 15:35.5. He added victories at the Manhattan Invitational, the Shore Coaches Invitational, the Mercer County Championships and the Central Jersey Sectional Championships.
In addition to his achievements as a runner, Rosa has maintained a 4.16 GPA in the classroom and has also volunteered on behalf of the Special Olympics.
Rosa’s brother Joe won the title last year, but was sidelined by a foot injury during the 2010 season. He recently began competing again in winter track.
