By Matt Browning

Maddie Ehrlich from Salina Sacred Heart was voted the Salina Area Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Ehrlich received almost 800 votes, which was nearly 64 percent of the overall vote. “There is no way I would be where I am now without the support of my family and friends, my team, and my school,” Ehrlich said. “They have always supported me. And, they obviously showed up to vote in the poll. I am blessed to be surrounded by such great people.” 

This season, Ehrlich ran her personal record at the Beloit meet, which was 20:14 and then won her first individual gold medal at the Ellsworth meet. “I could not be happier with the season to date,” Ehrlich said. “However, I am not content.”

Ehrlich’s mother was a Division I runner, so Ehrlich is pushed constantly by her, which has led to her growth as a runner this season. “The biggest difference and key to my improvement has been my work ethic,” Ehrlich said. “I am now determined to get better. I want to run faster. I put in the miles outside of practice. Work hard at practice. I train throughout the entire year and fortunately I have had success. Also, my confidence has grown, too.” 

Ehrlich also runs track and plays basketball at Sacred Heart and outside of sports, she is involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Next year, Ehrlich plans to run cross country and track at Kansas Wesleyan and major in Elementary Education.