Lake Park's Flanagan captures national honor
After capturing the state's cross country title last season, Lindsay Flanagan of Lake Park High School can add another honor to her trophy case: 2008-09 Gatorade Illinois Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the racecourse, distinguishes Flanagan as Illinois' best high school girls cross country runner as chosen by The Gatorade Company, in partnership with ESPN RISE Magazine.
Flanagan is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award to be announced later this month.
The 5-foot-5 senior set eight course or meet records this past season on her way to winning the Class 3A State Championship in 16:54. Flanagan was undefeated during the regular season and was one of only two runners in the country to finish in the Top 10 at both national championship races: fifth at the Nike Cross Nationals Final and ninth at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.
Flanagan has maintained a 4.71 GPA in the classroom (on a five-point scale). She has assisted with juvenile first offenders in Roselle's Peer Jury program and has worked as a lifeguard and children's swim instructor.
"Lindsay had a great season, I think unique in Illinois girls' history," said Lake Park coach Harvey Braus. "We knew she'd be very, very good this year, but we didn't know she'd be able to win by those margins over some very, very good runners in the state. She really made the most of her opportunities."
Flanagan remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field.
For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a list of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit gatorade.com/playeroftheyear.