Seneca's Tameka Jackson, the Class AAA state cross country champion, was named state girls cross country Gatorade Athlete of the Year, it was announced yesterday.
"It means a lot," said Jackson about being named runner of the year at the state level. "I worked so hard to become state champion. No, I wasn't expecting anything like this type of award."
"This means a great deal to me to have Tameka receive this honor," said coach Ryan Brown. "She has worked so hard, not just this year but since she started running in the fifth grade."
Read more on the award at milesplit.us.
"I think I found out last Monday or Tuesday," the Bobcat said. "I was really shocked and didn't know what to say."
Jackson added, in preparation for the track and field season, she is doing sprint workouts.
The athlete for state winners in the male competition has not be announced.
"She is a great kid and a great leader and think she is very deserving of the honor," Brown said. "I am very proud for her."