Amanda Patterson, Senior, Midlothian High School
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Patterson earned this week's AOW with her performance from the other side of the globe at the Iolani Invitational in Hawaii. Patterson, known for her big national meet performances (NIC 2mile, Penn Relays 3K), did not disappoint against some tough competition in the Iolani meet. Patterson nearly came away with the individual race title as the race winner was decided in a dramatic finish. Patterson battled out with Hawaii local Lauren Ho stride for stride the entire race. Ho led Patterson for the final last mile until about 100 meters to go, Patterson pulled ahead and appeared to have the win in rich. However, Ho rallied back to take the victory at the end in a time of 20:00. Patterson covered the challenging Kualoa Ranch 5K course in 20:02.
Brad Siragusa, Junior, Chantilly High School
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The Chantilly junior Siragusa is beginning to show his full potential on the cross country course after always being one of the state's most talented distance runners in track. After winning the Monroe Parker Invitational earlier in the season, Siragusa came back to win his second invitational of the season at the Lake Fairfax Invitational. On a long (5200 meters) and slippery course (rain dumped by remnants of Hurricane Ivan), Siragusa won by a convincing 24 seconds as he took the lead early on in the race and never looked back.