By SARAH CRABTREE
Niles Daily Star

“Running is my addiction,” said Madie Rodts. “The high I get from it is indescribable. It’s like a drug only better.”

Rodts is an 18-year-old senior at Niles High School and over the last four years has proved herself as an outstanding runner and all around athlete.

It started back in grade school at the Ballard Elementary Sprit Day Run. The race was only a mile and a half long and from third to sixth grade Rodts continually dominated the race. Coming in first all three years and letting everyone know she had the makings of an amazing runner. For Rodts this was only the beginning.

Through middle school and into high school, Rodts continued to run and win. Because of her hard work and determination she had the privilege of qualifying for the state championships in both cross county and track over the last four years. She has been a three-time qualifier in the 4×800-meter relay and the 800-meter run starting her freshman year.

As a sophomore she tried out long distance by joining the cross country team. She quickly became one of the best runners on the team and qualified for state. She qualified the following two years as well.

Last fall, Rodts came in 48th out of hundreds of other runners at the cross country state championship. To be one of the top 50 best runners in the state is quite an honor.

School record so close
Rodts is currently in the middle of her senior track season and is still continuing to dominate all races. She has come in first place in nearly every event so far this season, and is predicted to qualify for state again this year in the 800-meter run.

Rodts has set two goals for herself this season. The first, make it to state. The second, break the school record for the 800-meters. The school record is currently 2:18. Rodts’ personal best is 2:21.

“I just have to shave a few seconds off,” Rodts said.

Because of her running, Rodts has received many awards over the years. She was recently awarded the Rotary Track Scholarship for $2,000.

Next fall Rodts will be attending Grand Valley State University to continue her running career in both cross country and track. She will be attending camp at Grand Valley later this summer in August to start her training and to get acquainted with her new team members.

“I’m really excited. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get to know the team,” she said.
Her friends and family have high hopes for her in college.

Rodts’ running career shows a lot about her. She is a person who strives to succeed and whose hard work and dedication to her running is both astonishing and inspiring. She will never give up. She’s determined to be one of the best.

“I just love to run. There’s nothing else like it,” Rodts said.