Dennis Semrau, ESPN Wisconsin 5y

Prep Mania Profile: Maddie Thompson

Dennis Semrau covers prep sports for 100.5 ESPN and ESPNWisconsin.com

Maddie Thompson, Sun Prairie High School

Year:Senior.

Sports: Cross country, track and field.

Sports highlights: Maddie is a three-time letterwinner and three-time state qualifier in cross country. A captain her senior year, she is a three-time Academic All-State selection. She finished fourth to help Sauk Prairie defend its Big Eight Conference title on Oct. 13. As a junior she finished 24th overall and 18th in the team scoring to earn second team-state honors for the Cardinals, who won the WIAA Division 1 state title. She also earned first-team all-conference honors for the first-place Cardinals and received the team’s ‘Hardest Working” award.

As a sophomore, she earned All-Big Eight Conference second team honors and was named to the Sun Prairie All-Time team. She finished 72nd overall and 37th in the team scoring to help lead the Cardinals to their first WIAA Division 1 state championship. As a freshman, she received the team’s “Most Outstanding Freshman’ award and helped Sun Prairie finish fourth at the WIAA Division 1 state meet.

Maddie is a three-time letterwinner and three-time Academic All-State recipient in track and field. As a junior, she placed third in the 3,200-meter run at the Big Eight Conference Meet. She placed second in the 1,600 at the WIAA Division 1 regional Meet and third in the 1,600 at the sectional meet to qualify for the state meet. She earned All-Area honorable mention honors in the 1,600 and 3,200 and was the recipient of the team’ ‘Most Outstanding Junior’ award.

As a sophomore, she finished first in the 1,600 at the Wisconsin TFA Indoor State Meet, and first in the 800 and second in the 1,600 at the Big Eight Conference meet. She anchored the Cardinals’ first-place 3,200-meter relay and won the 1,600 at the regional meet. The 3,200 relay was sixth and she placed eighth in the 1,600 at the Division 1 state meet. She earned All-Area second-team honors in the 1,600 and received the ‘Most Outstanding Sophomore’ award. Her freshman year, she was an alternate on the WIAA Division 1 state qualifying 3,200-meter relay.

Pre-game ritual or superstition: Visualize and listen to my pre-race playlist.

Cumulative GPA: 3.89.

Favorite subject/class: English.

Favorite teacher: I’m thankful to have had a lot of influential teachers throughout my schooling, so I can’t choose just one.

Quick quote: “Competing in sports has taught me that long-term success is best achieved by giving one’s best attitude and effort on a daily basis for themselves and the team, and gains are made in the off season.”

Three words to describe me are: Ambitious, focused, genuine.

I got my start in sports: My parents had me try all types of sports when I was younger. From 4 to 5 years old up until my freshman year when I decided to run track, I was really into soccer and later futsal. My dad got me into running by having me do road races with him.

I wish I could participate in: Rock climbing.

My most memorable moments in sports: Winning back-to-back WIAA Division 1 State championships in cross country.

I like about high school sports: How they bring people of all backgrounds together in pursuit of a common goal.

I enjoy running because: Of all of the benefits involved with running, including challenging yourself to be a better person each day.

Advice: “Consistency is key; stay mentally strong.”

My role models are: My parents, Melissa and Troy, who have instilled in me values of integrity and a strong work ethic.

Most inspirational teammate: I am inspired by all of my teammates in different ways.

My family also includes: My sisters, Dani and Katie, and my yellow lab, Nutmeg.

Nickname: Madds.

Words to live by: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” -- Mark 9:23.

Favorite facility/site to compete in: Detweiller Park in Peoria, Ill.

Favorite movie: ‘Kicking and Screaming’ (with Will Ferrell).

Favorite TV show: ‘New Amsterdam’ (since Deception was cancelled).

Favorite food: Steamed vegetables.

Favorite fast food place and/or restaurant: Norske Nook.

Favorite sport on TV: Soccer.

Favorite place to visit: Yellowstone National Park.

I want to visit: Banff National Park.

Top three favorite songs: “Unstoppable’ by The Score; ‘Revolution’ by The Score; ‘I’m Not Famous’ by AJR.

Primary news source: Internet.

Favorite website: YouTube.

I drive: A 2007 Toyota Avalon.

Dream car: A soccer mom van.

I can’t live without: My family … and my watch.

I like Sun Prairie High School because: It has great people, academics and athletics.

Dream date: Backpacking in the mountains.

Dream gift: Something heartfelt.

Preferred brand of shoe: Nike Zoom Structure 21.

My perfect day: Go on a morning run, then take a scenic kayak or a bike ride followed by a hike and some awesome food.

I love to read: Everything.

This and that: Member of National Honor Society … volunteer locally through church and at the Sunshine Place, staff for Madison Futsal, assistant coach of Sun Prairie youth track program through Parks and Recreation … participates in ESP (Elite Sports Performance) … an AP Scholar … member of Honor Roll throughout high school.

Hobbies: Photography, videography, exploring, being active, reading, writing, art.

Post-high school plans: Pursue a business degree and compete in cross country and track and field at the University of Minnesota.

Did you know? My dad and I encountered a mother bear with her three cubs while running down Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, forcing us to run down a black diamond ski hill.

Career goal: Business field/Attorney.

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