Madison Petersen, a senior, is a cross country runner. She has made it to state three times in her high school career. This year at sectionals she made a personal record of 18 minutes. At past state meets she placed 65th and 31st. This year she placed 25th, earning her a state medal and a personal record of 17:47.9. 

Grayslake North senior Madison Petersen began running at the age of 4. Many kids run around at that age, but somewhere along the line running becomes more of a chore than a fun activity. For Petersen, she stuck to it and it has paid off in her high school years. 

In her four years of high school, she qualified for the state cross-country meet three times. In her senior year, she racked up personal best times at the sectional meet and did even better at the state meet as she finished 25th. She has won many awards in her time here at North like Golden Knight, Most Valuable Runner, Rookie of the Year, All Conference, Varsity Athletic Award, and the Sportsmanship Award. She has been the captain of both the girls cross country team and track and field team. 

During the season with practices everyday after school Petersen managed to stay motivated though it was hard. Petersen shared, “I really tried to keep the fact that it was my senior year in the back of my head because this season is it. There were days that I had no motivation to be at practice, which I feel is inevitable, but I always came back the next day or the next week with a better and more positive mindset.”

Favorite animal: “My favorite animal is a dog.”

Favorite food: “My favorite food is tacos.”

Morning person or night owl: “I’m a bit of a morning person and a night owl because I work out most days in the morning, so I’m up pretty early, but then I tend to stay up late doing all sorts of stuff like homework, reading, etc.”

Future college: “I’m planning on attending Delaware State University, where I got offers to compete in triathlons, track, and cross-country.”