In place of a Senior Spotlight this week, NCRunners would like to recognize two North Carolina senior runners who have been given a great national honor. Every year, Gatorade selects one athlete from each state in 12 sports, including girls' and boys' cross country and girls' and boys' track & field. From these athletes, 12 National Players of the Year are selected (one for each sport), and then two of those twelve are named the National Athletes of the Year (one boy and one girl). The award process was begun in 1985, and has grown to be one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in high school athletics (more about the award and the selection process). Gatorade recently announced the North Carolina Players of the Year for cross country, and they are:
Samantha George, Millbrook
Sammy was the 4A State Champion this fall, her first in cross country after 2 indoor and 2 outdoor 1600m state titles.
She advanced from Foot Locker South with a time of 17:15, and she represented our state well at Foot Locker Nationals.
Her time ranks first all-time for North Carolina females on the McAlpine Greenway course.
Thomas Graham, Cary Academy
Thomas led the state from the beginning of the season to the end, finishing with a best time of 14:52.
He was the NCISAA 3A State Champion, his fourth in cross country along with winning the 3200 title in the spring.
Thomas also advanced to Foot Locker Nationals, where he finished in the top 10 to earn All-American honors.
Thomas ranks fourth all-time for North Carolina boys on the McAlpine Greenway course.
In place of a Senior Spotlight this week, NCRunners would like to recognize two North Carolina senior runners who have been given a great national honor. Every year, Gatorade selects one athlete from each state in 12 sports, including girls' and boys' cross country and girls' and boys' track & field. From these athletes, 12 National Players of the Year are selected (one for each sport), and then two of those twelve are named the National Athletes of the Year (one boy and one girl). The award process was begun in 1985, and has grown to be one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in high school athletics (more about the award and the selection process). Gatorade recently announced the North Carolina Players of the Year for cross country, and they are:
Samantha George, Millbrook