Williamstown's Alyssa Sauro, left, was selected as the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year for the state of West Virginia. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

WILLIAMSTOWN – Quite the honor was bestowed upon Williamstown junior Alyssa Sauro on Monday.

The junior became the first student-athlete from the school to be recognized as Gatorade’s top athlete in his or her chosen sport for the state of West Virginia.

The award is based on Sauro’s performance at last fall’s state cross country meet where she turned in the fastest time of any female regardless of class.

Sauro’s selection follows a span of four years where a runner from Morgantown held the title, including Irene Riggs (2020-23) and Leah Hatcher (2019-20).

“This award has definitely crossed my mind,” Sauro said. “I have always looked up to people who have won the award. It’s such a huge honor.”

In addition to staying true to her offseason workouts, Sauro is also hitting the recruiting trail among Division I programs. She is looking heavily at schools in the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference.

“It’s exciting to learn about new programs and what they are like,” Sauro said. “A lot of my decision will depend on how close they are as a team and what the girls are like to hang out with. I’ve definitely been learning a lot about this process.”

Sauro, who placed runner-up at the Class A state cross country meet as a freshman, is a two-time defending champion. In each of the past two wins, she has dropped more than a minute off her time from the previous year.

“Consistency is so important in training – trusting my coaches is also important,” Sauro said.

Sauro’s next endeavor takes her to Boston in March for the New Balance National Indoor Meet for the first time in her career.

“I’m super excited for that,” Sauro said.

Individuals who are on the selection committee for the Gatorade award also take into account classroom work and community service. Sauro, who carries a 4.14 grade-point average, is an active member of the Cross Roads United Methodist Church youth group. She volunteers locally writing personal notes throughout the year to the elderly and sick in the community.

At the state cross country meet this past fall, Sauro turned in a winning time of 17:59.62 and led the Yellowjackets to the state title. She was the state’s top runner at the Foot Locker South Region championships where she finished 12th.

Sauro won six races in 2023 and took second in two others.

“Being with my teammates and hanging with them, and thinking of the future definitely keeps me motivated right now,” Sauro said.