Annie Gunderman Named June Student Athlete of the Month

We are pleased to announce that Annie Gunderman, has been chosen as the winner of the J-Dubbs Signature Subs/Portland Beacon Student Athlete of the Month award for June.

Annie just completed her senior year at St. Patrick School and will be continuing her track career at the collegiate level at Saginaw Valley State University. On June 1st, Annie won the 400 meter state championship at the MHSAA Division 4 State Track and Field Finals at Baldwin Street Middle School in Hudsonville.

In her nomination of Gunderman, Coach Dawn Fedewa said, "After finishing 9th in the state as a freshman, Annie set a goal to finish as State Champion in the 400 meter dash before she graduated. Each year, she was able to get a little closer to that goal, finishing 6th as a sophomore and 3rd as a junior. Her win this year as a senior was a fitting and perfect end to a tremendous career at St. Patrick. Annie is an exceptional competitor and teammate, always putting her teammates first and wishing her competitors well before a race and congratulating them after. Though her talents will be missed at St. Pat's, Annie's career isn't over yet. Saginaw Valley State is gaining a talented, hard working athlete and we're excited to see her compete at the next level."

Annie is the daughter of Don and Carol Gunderman and was also a member of the Shamrock basketball and volleyball teams.

To be nominated for this award, a student athlete must attend either Portland High School or St. Patrick School, and be a member of a varsity sports program or school-sponsored athletic club at his/her school. Nominations may be made by a member of their high school coaching staff, athletic director, principal, or a school recognized student government organization at his/her school. Nominations are also accepted from The Portland Beacon contributing writers.

The monthly winner is selected by a three-person panel consisting of myself and Portland Beacon contributors Robert Lathers and Benjamin Rex Cross.