U.S. highschool distance runner Addy Ritzenhein was awarded the Gatorade Excessive Faculty Athlete of the Yr on Tuesday, recognizing her as the highest U.S. highschool feminine athlete. Ritzenhein was nominated for the accolade after successful the 2023 U.S. Nike Cross Nation Nationals in December, following within the footsteps of her father, Dathan Ritzenhein.
The award was offered by none aside from three-time Gatorade Athlete of the Yr winner and four-time NCAA champion Katelyn Tuohy, who just lately turned professional and signed a contract with Adidas.
This honour celebrates prime highschool athletes within the U.S. for his or her excellence in sports activities, teachers and group involvement. Ritzenhein joins a prestigious checklist of former feminine runners who’ve acquired the award, together with Tuohy (2019-20, 2018-19, and 2017-18) and U.S. marathoner Jordan Hasay (2008-09).
Athletic prowess runs within the Ritzenhein household; Dathan received Gatorade Athlete of the Yr award twice (1999-01) and represented Workforce USA on the Olympics on three events. Dathan at present serves as the top coach of On Athletics Membership, teaching notable athletes like Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and world championship 1,500m finalist and American mile report holder Yared Nuguse. Addy clocked a personal-best 16:44.9 for 5K this fall and was ranked because the #1 sophomore (Grade 10) ladies highschool XC athlete within the U.S., based on MileSplit.
Ritz wins #NXN!!
Addy Ritzenhein makes her mark identical to her well-known dad, Dathan! Wins a nationwide HS XC title!!
⏱️ 17:10.4 pic.twitter.com/9UL5SLFt8a
— RunnerSpace (@runnerspace) December 2, 2023
Addy and her dad now be part of an unique membership of three father-child duos who’ve change into nationwide champions at the highschool stage. Addy will undoubtedly be a reputation to observe within the subsequent two years as she approaches the NCAA stage.
