2019 MileSplit50 Individual Girls XC Rankings Countdown

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No. 6 Abby Vanderkooi

Team: Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (MI)

Year: 2022

Notable Finishes: 3rd at Foot Locker Nationals; 4th at Foot Locker Midwest; 1st at MHSAA D4 Cross Country Championships

Analysis: Vanderkooi had the second fastest time of any freshman last season, hitting 16:57.30 on the clock at the GMAA Invitational in October. But -- and this is an important but -- she was the only freshman in the country to go under 17 minutes three times. Three! And Vanderkooi wasn't just fast, but she competed, finishing third overall at Foot Locker Nationals in December. Prior to that All-American placement, she was fourth at Foot Locker Midwest and first at her Division 4 MHSAA State Cross Country Championships. 

On a scale of value, Vanderkooi had three speed ratings over 150 and three more at 149, making her the strongest freshman racer of 2018. While she raced a whopping 16 times, the Michigan runner clearly was tough and was able to race consistently. She's begun the 2019 season with two very good performances at 17:37.74 and 17:35.87, currently top 10 in the country, and right back in the 148-rating range. 

Vanderkooi will once again be an athlete on the national radar this season. 

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