Tanner Anderson
(North Central High School - Washington)
Class of 2015
The defending 2013 Washington 3A state cross country champion and NXN Northwest Regional winner Tanner Anderson of North Central High School returns as the top finisher from last year's Nike Cross Nationals when he placed 3rd at Portland Meadows. Anderson dipped under 9 minutes three times during the outdoor season in the 3200 with a 8:55 personal best, while also working down his 1600 meter time down to 4:13. Anderson will look to lead his North Central squad back to a high finish at NXN, while himself individually could take the individual national title. His 5K best came two springs ago on the track with a 14:33 performance at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Anderson is part of a loaded state of Washington along with a stacked Northwest Region, so will have his share of clashes with nation's best throughout the fall to push him to great times. His path to another Washington 3A state title has the 2013 Foot Locker Nationals runner-up John Dressel in his way. Can North Central make it two years in a row having a Nike Cross Nationals individual champion if Anderson is able to follow in the footsteps of graduate teammate Kai Wilmot? A safe assumption to make in picking Anderson as an NXN individual favorite.