Patrick Anderson wins Gatorade Boys’ Cross Country Runner of the Year

Earlier this year, Patrick Anderson — a senior at Mount Lebanon High School — was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Boys’ Cross Country Runner of the Year! 👏🏃‍♂️

As part of the award, Patrick was given to opportunity to donate a $1,000 grant to the organization of his choice — and he selected Special Olympics Pennsylvania!

Patrick selected Special Olympics in honor of his aunt, Erin Gannon, who has been an athlete in Special Olympics Allegheny County for many years. Erin has also served as a Global Messenger, an Athlete Representative on the Management Team and is currently a member of the Athlete Leadership Team.

The grant money will go toward supporting the golf and swimming programs in Allegheny County, the two sports that have been Erin’s passion. Additionally, Erin’s father — and Patrick’s grandfather, Dr. Robert Gannon — was extremely instrumental in getting the golf program started in Allegheny County and competed as Erin’s golf partner.

Patrick has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in cross country and track & field on scholarship at the The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.

The Gatorade Player of the Year award is the most prestigious award in high school sports. The award recognizes student-athletes not only for outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character.

We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him so much for his support!