Meet the 2017 Commercial Appeal all-metro girls cross country team

By John Varlas
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Meet the members of the 2017 Commercial Appeal all-metro girls cross country team.

The runner of the year will be announced at the Sports Awards, which takes place June 5 at the Orpheum.

First team

Nominees for Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year

Skylar Boogerd, Arlington cross country

Skylar Boogerd

Arlington, Jr.

Why chosen: A past all-metro selection, Boogerd won the Region 8-AAA meet in 18.39 and also took titles at two prestigious in-season meets, the Frank Horton and the West Tennessee Fall Classic.

Allison Newman, St. George's cross country

Allison Newman

St. George's, Fr.

Why chosen: Newman won the Division II-A West Regional in 18:53, a result that was bettered only twice in Shelby County this year. She finished fourth at state in 20:09.36, making her the top local competitor.

Gabbie Sawyer, Collierville cross country

Gabbie Sawyer

Collierville, Jr.

Why chosen: Sawyer finished second in the Frank Horton Invitational and third in the Region 8-AAA race while also posting the sixth-fastest season time in Shelby County (19:08). 

Anna Tankersley, Houston cross country

Anna Tankersley

Houston, Sr.

Why chosen: Was a strong performer on a team that finished first at the Memphis Twilight, Tennessee Classic, West Tennessee and Region 8-AAA meets before helping the Mustangs to a runner-up finish in the Large School meet.

Lydia Tankersley, Houston cross country

Lydia Tankersley

Houston, Fr.

Why chosen: Tankersley was the leader all season on a Houston team that finished second in the state in the Large School meet. She was top local individual, coming in ninth in 19:25.41.

Second team

Rebecca Calderoni, St. Agnes, So.

Katelyn Cartwright, Hernando, Jr.

Meghan Underwood, Briarcrest, Sr.

Gracelyn Walls, Arlington, Jr.

Maggie Wilson, St. George's, Fr.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.