Sports
Mustang Freshman Closes In on School Record
Lutheran North runner Gina Patterson has a set a new freshman cross-country record this season and shows no signs of slowing down.
cross-country coach Tim Grotelueschen knew freshman Gina Patterson would be a good runner this season for the Mustangs.
What he didn't know was that she would soon be great.
"This is Gina's first year ever doing cross-country and I knew she would be good," Grotelueschen said. "I just didn’t know she would be this good this fast. It’s been an easy transition for her because of her work ethic and positive attitude. She ran consistently during the summer and always works hard during practice displaying a cheerful attitude."
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Patterson has wasted no time in making her mark on the school's record board. She broke the freshman record of 19:14 at the Autumn Classic at Stony Creek with a time of 19:06. She also finished first at the Macomb Township Meet, Muskrat Invite, Old Skool Classic and the Catholic League Jamboree.
"As great as she has run so far she just keeps getting better every week," Grotelueschen said. "She's been blessed with an amazing talent, but the reason she has progressed so fast is her work ethic. She does whatever is asked of her and more. I'm constantly amazed at her energy as she'll finish a race with a big personal best and then moments later she's running around cheering people on like she hadn't run at all."
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But that's not all. Patterson is very close to breaking the school record, seven seconds to be exact, set by Carissa Hudson in 2005.
The speedy freshman ran an 18:49 at the last Catholic League Jamboree at Huron Meadows Metro Park in Brighton and is knocking on the door.
"When I told Gina how well she has done so far this season, she told me, 'I’m just trying to do the best with the gifts God has given me,' " Grotelueschen said.
