Senior, Maddie Saltsburg, has been apart of many successful cross country teams at Northern in the past, which resulted in a second place team finish at the PIAA state meet. Now, as a senior, she has to face the challenges of COVID-19 and the transition from class AA to class AAA, which she addresses in this interview.
What were your goals for yourself this season? For the team?
“I was really looking to be consistent in my races and stay healthy overall this season. As a team I always look forward to getting to know the freshman and bond as a team. We wanted to win our Conference and once again just focus on staying healthy and being able to finish the entire season.”
How is this season different from past seasons regarding Covid-19?
“We definitely have had less meets. Many large invitationals were cancelled and our season was shorter. Normally, we start pre-season mid August, but that didn’t happen this year. Also, the numbers of teams and individuals they are taking to Districts and States is WAY smaller and we just moved up to AAA this year, so that is going to be challenging to attain our success from last year, being 2nd in the state for Girls AA XC.”
What are some things that you took for granted that you cannot have this season?
“We don't know yet if we are going to be able to have a team banquet this year, which I didn’t really appreciate as much as she could have in previous years. Also, I took for granted being able to go anywhere at school or at a meet without always having to make sure I have a mask and am socially distancing.”
What makes this team special?
“Cross country always brings in a special group of girls that are SO hard working and determined! My team is my second family and we all get along like we have known each other our entire lives! Getting together outside of school is always a blast and I am really going to miss seeing my girls everyday once I graduate!”
How does the team and yourself look for districts?
“It is going to be difficult this year to make it to Districts. Moving up to AAA puts us with the bigger schools and the Mid Penn Conference Meet decided to only take the top two teams and the top 10 individuals in the race to move on. We are all going to focus on trying our best at the Conference meet and being grateful to even run this year!”
Maddie Can Be Seen Wearing Number 406
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