Madeline Meeuf
North Catholic
Junior
Favorite Course: White Oak Park
2023 WPIAL Girls AA Champion
2023 WPIAL Girls AA Team Champion

Describe your emotions going into your junior year as the reigning AA Girls WPIAL Champion.

I’m definitely very excited and think it will be an interesting year for the WPIAL. The WPIAL had a lot of extremely talented runners graduate this past year, and I’m eager to see the new generation of runners take over and showcase our talent. I think everyone knows that a lot of eyes are going to be on WPIAL District 7, and we are excited to get our turn to step into the spotlight and show everyone what we can do.

How have you prepared differently this year compared to last season?

I have definitely increased my mileage this summer. I knew going into summer training that I am a runner who thrives on high mileage, and that would be key to improving this season. Along with upping my mileage, I went to a camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a week of training at altitude, which I know will better my performance at sea level. I’ve also been focusing a lot on strength and nutrition this summer because I know that focusing on the small things can really fine-tune and improve my running.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in your running journey?

My biggest inspirations and role models are definitely my older teammates, Grace Lazzara and Julia Zalenski. They were such great leaders on my team my freshman year and really fostered my love for running. I’d never had two people to look up to with such a profound love for running and their team. They took me under their wing my freshman year and taught me to always put my team first, never limit myself to anything, and always believe that I am capable of more. I know that I would not have accomplished as much as I have without them to look up to. Although Grace and Julia have both graduated, they have had a lasting impact on my running career and will always be my biggest inspirations and role models.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of the North Catholic cross country team?

My team is, without a doubt, the best part of North Catholic cross country. We always support each other, whether that’s through a WPIAL win or a bad race. I know that I can always count on them no matter what. Having a good team is something special that not everyone gets to experience. I am so thankful that I get to run with an amazing group of girls every day.

What are your personal goals for this upcoming cross-country season?

My personal goals this year are to break the 18-minute barrier, defend my WPIAL title, go to states with my team, and better my 10th-place finish at states. I also hope to run at Footlocker regionals. I know these are very ambitious goals and that I have a lot of work to put in if I want to achieve these goals, but I am willing to do that and am looking forward to an exciting junior season with my team!

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