A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athletes of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Carl Hirsch

THE BASICS

School: Brookfield Central (Brookfield, Wis.)

Grade: Junior

Event(s): Distance

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 170 pounds

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Hirsch won individual state titles in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:08.21 and the 3,200-meter run in 9:12.76 this spring, leading the Lancers to a third-place finish at the Division 1 state meet. He also anchored the 4x800-meter relay quartet to a state title in 7:40.09. A two-time First Team All-State honoree, his state championship 1,600 time ranked as the nation’s No. 13 clocking among prep competitors in 2012 at the time of his selection.

Academic excellence: Hirsch has maintained a 4.14 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of his school’s Key Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

THE PRAISE

“Carl Hirsch will be the best distance runner we have at this school,” said Brookfield Central head coach Mark Pulkownik. “He is a very humble athlete and an outstanding teammate.”

THE FUTURE: Hirsch will begin his senior year of high school this fall.