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Jessica Tonn, Gatorade's Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Shortly after Greg told you about our Catholic high school athletes taking home various state honors in our Jan. 1 issue, Gatorade put another one to the list. The sports drink company, which recognizes a male and female athlete at the end of their season, named Xavier’s Jessica Tonn as Arizona’s Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Ironically enough, Greg reported Tonn’s running success just after naming a fellow Gator who earned similar honors in volleyball. Tonn helped lead the cross country team to its fifth state title, finishing in 17:50.9 — ”50.9 seconds, more than a minute better than runner-up and teammate Sarah Penney,” according to Greg’s report. She remained unbeaten against all Arizona competition.  

Tonn continued to finish in the top 10 in regional and national competitions. 

“Jessica just keeps getting better,” head coach Dave Van Sickle said. “She has the desire and a good plan — but it takes more than that to make a champion.  She’s also a fierce competitor who takes care of her body and doesn’t flinch at doing a great deal of work.” 

Click here to learn more about Gatorade’s Player of the Year program

Click here to watch a promo video featuring all of Xavier’s top-ranking sports programs