Grand Haven runner Addison forges own path

Jeff Chaney | The Grand Rapids Press, September 03, 2008 3:47 p.m.

Becca Addison and Grand Haven finished second at the Division 1 state cross country finals last season. - (Press Photo/Paul L. Newby II)

For Becca Addison, running is in the genes.

The Grand Haven senior all-state cross country runner's father, Ron, was a steeplechaser at the University of Tennessee, and her mother, Sue, ran middle distance at Michigan State University.

Though Becca, along with sophomore sister Laura who also runs for the Buccaneers, have successful running parents, they never were expected to follow in their parents' footsteps.

"They never pushed us to run," Becca Addison said. "I was a gymnast for nine years at first, but I broke both of my hands and had to quit. I went out for track after that, and then decided to go out for cross country. My parents actually asked me if I was sure I wanted to go out for cross country. I'm happy I made that decision."

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