Amber Harper
Orem High School
Impact Statement
On running… “What it does do is allow me time to recharge and restore something that has been part of me for so long.” -Amber Harper Andrews
Biography
“Amber Harper’s consistency in winning three state titles demonstrates for young athletes that winning never gets old, and that with a consistent work ethic an athlete can reach the top and remain there,” said NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro. “The NHSCA is proud to honor Amber Harper as the Senior Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year.”
Harper won her third Utah state individual cross country championship in the fall of 2002 and led Orem High to the team title in a close 48-51 race with Mountain View High. Upon winning both the individual title and the team title, Harper’s selflessness and true leadership shined in her post-race comments that focused entirely upon the team effort.
“This is the happiest day of my life as a runner,” Harper said to the Deseret News. “We’re a lot closer as a group this year, and I knew we could do it today.” Harper ended her senior cross country season with a second straight qualifying berth and another top 15 finish at the prestigious Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships. The Utah native will keep her career in state by attending Brigham Young University in the fall of 2003.
Harper owns the record 5K freshman record at BYU.
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