This Pensacola Christian junior ran her race en route to winning PNJ Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to the latest PNJ Athlete of the Week winner for the 2022-23 school year: RaeAnne Tutton from Pensacola Christian girls cross country team. 

The Warriors junior garnered 71.83 percent of the total vote in the PNJ’s online poll held after the Aug. 29-Sept. 3 playing period. Each weekly winner is awarded a one-of-a-kind PNJ.com Athlete of the Week shirt provided by BSN SPORTS.

This is the second consecutive year that Tutton has been an Athlete of the Week winner.

The junior was victorious at the Pace Patriot Invitational on Sept. 3 with a time of 19 minutes, 25 seconds. With Tutton leading the way, the Warriors placed five of the top-eight times en route to a team victory with 24 points. 

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Two weeks later at the Southern Showcase, Tutton set the school record with a mark of 18:39. Her sister, PCA freshman Jaimee Tutton, ran the race by her side.

Learn more about Tutton on and off the course below after she spoke with PNJ sports reporter Patrick Bernadeau. Check back next week to vote in the next PNJ Athlete of the Week poll. 

Q and A with RaeAnne Tutton

PNJ: Another year, another school record that you were able to set. How did you get faster?

Tutton: “I think it’s the training, this summer we did a lot more intense training. We added a bit more strength training, but I also think we wanted to get the school record again, so I think that also had something to do with it.”

PNJ: You guys set the school record. Now, is there a new time that you are trying to achieve?

Tutton: “I think below 18:30, that’s a goal.”

PNJ: You run alongside your sister and you guys make a great tandem, but is there anyone else from the area that you enjoy competing with?

Tutton: I really enjoy competing with Elyse Carmichael (Booker T. Washington), she’s a lot of fun. I also think Belicia O’Grady from Fort Walton Beach, she’s a lot of fun to run against. And then, Kaylin Olivarez, she’s fun from Niceville. Especially those three, those are people I really enjoy competing against.

PNJ: Since the last time we spoke, you made a little bit of Warriors history by becoming the first PCA girl to win a cross country region title. What did that do for your confidence?

Tutton: “I think it boosted it. And I also think it made me want to push for more. It really encouraged the team to see what our team is capable of.”

PNJ: Also, I know you are a big reader and I imagine you’ve read a few new books. What’s something new that you’ve read?

Tutton: “I read Jane Eyre this summer. That was a milestone, that was a long book, but I got through it.” 

PNJ: If you had one thing to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tutton: “Probably pasta as a runner (laughs).”

PNJ: What is your favorite school subject?

Tutton: “History, definitely.”

PNJ: What’s your favorite bible verse?

Tutton: “Nahum 1:7”

PNJ: Can you recite it off the top of your head?

Tutton: “I don’t think I can off the top of my head, but it’s about trusting in God, relying on his strength. I really like that one, I love reading that one.”

PNJ: Do you have any additional goals this season?

Tutton: “I think it’s to grow as a team together, have more team chemistry. We’re really good right now, but I really want to know every single person on the team. So that’s a goal.”

PNJ: Lastly, do you have anyone in particular that you look up to? And why?

Tutton: “My parents. Their love for the Lord, it really shines through all that they do, their love for others, reflecting Christ.”

Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (850) 503-3828, on Twitter @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com