Ruth White has done it again.
Orono’s 4-foot-8 Boise State commit won the Maine Gatorade Girls Cross Country Player of the Year Award for the third consecutive time earlier this week.
This fall, White broke the 17-minute threshold for a 5K twice, won the New England Championships for the third time and placed sixth at the Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego, en route to being named a first-team All-American.
White has helped lead Orono’s girls distance running teams to three Class C state championship cross country titles and one outdoor track and field state championship.
“She will undoubtedly be the most decorated athlete in Orono school history,” Orono Athletic Director Mike Archer said. “She’s brought more recognition and notoriety to our community and school than anyone ever has.”
Outside of running, White is an avid cross country skier and is Orono’s Key Club president. She’s also an American Red Cross certified lifeguard, and is a volunteer coach with the Orono Track Club and Orono Youth Ski Farm Program.
Academically, Ruth White is the No. 1 ranked student in her class.
“Boise is getting a high-quality student, and a wonderful human being,” Archer said. “She has such a great appreciation for running — and respect for her opponents — because she knows how hard she works. Down the road, her legacy will be how she treats people.”
