Maggie Whitney, daughter of Rebecca and Randall Whitney, has signed her national letter of intent to continue her running career at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.
Whitney, a senior at Wayland High School, became the sixth signee of the 2018-19 recruiting class for the Aquinas College women’s cross country and track and field programs.
Whitney competed at both the 2017 Michigan Division II cross country and track & field championships. She was conference and regional champion in the 800-meter run and also earned All-State honors with a fourth place finish in her specialty event. She placed 66th at the state championships in cross country last fall and was named Academic All-State for both cross country and track in 2017.
She has been captain both the cross country and track teams the last two seasons and has posted personal bests that include 19:15 on the cross course, 2:17 in the 800 meters, and 61.0 in the 400 meters.
Whitney, a member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) said, “I chose Aquinas because that is where I felt at home. I had been looking into all sorts of D-1 schools, and large schools out of state, but no matter where I went, I didn’t feel like it was a great fit for me. I chose Aquinas because I knew as soon as I set foot on campus, this was where I belonged: in a place I could call home where everyone was so kind and welcoming. I knew I could accomplish my dreams at Aquinas as much as I could anywhere else, but Aquinas provides an environment in which I feel comfortable and I know I am somewhere I can thrive.”
Maggie has two younger siblings, Sebastian (13) and Schuyler (10) and she plans to pursue a degree in pre-med/biochemistry/neuroscience.
She also added, “I run because my youngest brother cannot. He was diagnosed with a rare neuroimmune disorder at four months old and as a result he has a permanent spinal cord injury. I run because it’s not only a way for me to relax, but also in honor of someone very dear to me.”
Coach Mike Wojciakowski commented, “I am very excited that Maggie has decided to attend Aquinas College and continue her athletic career. She is a fantastic addition to our program and inhibits all of the attributes I look for in a student athlete. I look for her to make an immediate impact next season!”
Wayland track and cross country coach Ray Antel added, “Maggie is a class act! She sets goals, works extremely hard to accomplish them, and helps to lead the team by example. Her foot speed and quick turnover, coupled with her oxygen delivery system, allows her to tackle the 800 with tenacity and a reserve tank!
“Maggie is easy to coach, loves to learn, and gives her best. I can’t wait to watch Maggie run as a Saint!”