Katie Rainsberger named girls track athlete of the year by Gatorade
Katie Rainsberger, who last month starred at the state track and field championships, was named Colorado’s girls track athlete of the year by Gatorade on Thursday morning.
The recent Air Academy graduate capped her career in spectacular fashion by winning three individual championships, and also being part of a relay championship. Rainsberger won the 800 meters (2:09.97), the 1,600 meters (4:45.27) and the 3,200 meters (10:23.24) individually, and also helped Air Academy win the 4×800 relay in 9:14.28. The Kadets finished second as a team.
In March, she set a state record in the 1,600.
Following the track season, Rainsberger was named the Class 4A track athlete of the year as part of the all-state teams.
“I think her track accolades and what she did at the state track meet this year speak for itself,” said Widefield track coach Fred Marjerrison. “She absolutely dominated four events and put her team in position to capture some team hardware. We were very blessed to see a special talent like Katie and probably will have to wait a long time to see another dominant distance athlete like this young lady.”
She now becomes a finalist for the national girls track award, which will be announced later this month.
Rainsberger’s track season mirrored a spectacular season in cross country.
In January, Rainsberger was named the national girls cross country runner of the year by Gatorade. She also won the state award for the second year in a row after setting a course record.
Outside of athletics, Rainsberger carried a 4.49 weighted GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has volunteered with USA Track & Field, as well.
Rainsberger is set to run at Oregon in the fall.
