Martin named SLC Athlete of the Year

Wilmot junior Maddie Martin dented the school record books in a handful of events during the track season, capped off by an appearance at the WIAA Division 1 state finals in the 400-meter dash (Bob Mischka/The Report).
Wilmot junior Maddie Martin dented the school record books in a handful of events during the track season, capped off by an appearance at the WIAA Division 1 state finals in the 400-meter dash (Bob Mischka/The Report).

Wilmot junior attributes hard work, support system to honor

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Before Wilmot sprinter Maddie Martin hit the track at the WIAA Division 1 state meet last weekend, the junior received an accolade she never thought would happen, Southern Lakes Conference Female Athlete of the Year.

The honor, which went to her older sister Haylee a year earlier, came after the junior shattered the school record books in three categories and qualified for state in two events.

“I was not expecting it, I forgot about the award, it usually goes to seniors,” said Martin, who had been notified by her mother, Michele. “When my Mom told me, I cried, because I could not believe it.”

But, after her stellar season, where she broke the school record in the 400-meter dash at the WIAA Division 1 Stoughton sectional when she clocked in at 57.66, another record in the 200 at the conference meet (26.32) and collaborating on a relay record, it left no doubt for those who selected her.

Martin, along with her 1,600-relay squad consisting of juniors Rachel Kostrova, Julia Shurtleff and senior Rebecca Alter broke the school record at the Stoughton sectional at 4:10.03.

She finished first in seven of the first 10 meets in the 400 dash, according to athletic.net, and also included the May 10 Kenosha County Invite, where she broke the meet record set in 1980.

Martin stated the honor is indicative of all the work she put in during the off-season, dedication at practices, and reflective of new sprint coach Trey Bell’s efforts this season.

“It was definitely all the hard work that I put in, Trey Bell came in and helped me,” she said. “I am glad that I am succeeding and that it is paying off.”

The junior’s success in Stoughton, where she finished second in the 400, qualified her for the state meet in La Crosse, where she advanced to the state finals following a top ten finish in the preliminary round.

Citing a humid environment, and the long wait for her event Saturday, she came up short of a podium appearance with a 10th place finish.

However, the junior has remained positive, noting she accomplished her first goal at state, advancing to the finals.

“I was really hoping to make it to finals, I was not really sure I would make the podium because there were a lot of really talented girls,” she said. “But I was really happy with what I got it with the weather.”

The talent in the 400 was steep, which included a freshman that broke the state meet record for first place, but she acknowledged the areas she needs to work on entering the offseason that include working with Bell and other coaching personnel.

Bell, who plans to work with Martin in the offseason, said the junior held her own in a high pressure environment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

“There was a lot going on at state, there were a lot of people out there,” Bell said. “I thought she had a great effort.”

While expectations could be high for her next season, Bell said the key for Martin’s success is to focus on her own conditioning, instead of worrying about the next competitor.

However, Bell stated the junior is capable of breaking the 54 second mark in the 400 dash, as long as she stays focused.

The extra attention her senior season is something Martin has to get used, but believes the support of her family could give her the strength to stay grounded.

“It feels really weird and I am not used to it The attention is interesting,” said Martin, noting her sister is also in her core of support. “My sister was really happy for me, and she knew before me and knew a coach and called to ask if I knew, and is really supportive in what I do.”


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