Running at the college level has not been a lifelong goal for Madeline Carlson.In fact, the sport itself was merely an afterthought for the Warrenton senior.“I wanted to be a volleyball player, but I didn’t make the team,” quipped Carlson, who settled for distance running and discovered an ability that would result in dozens of medals.She recently signed a letter of intent to run for Rockhurst University, continuing a career that has been both challenging and triumphant.“I’ve been excited about the possibility of running in college since my freshman year, when I went to state for the first time and began seeing Emily (Mauch) run in college),” said Carlson.“For Maddie, being able to run in college is a real accomplishment coming off injuries and fighting through things at the high school level,” said Warrenton Coach Mike Spoede. “To be able to overcome that stuff mentally says a lot for her as a competitor.”Carlson has overcome recurring injuries to bank  multiple trips to state in both cross country and track.“I went farther in running than I ever thought I would,” said Carlson. “My goal coming in was to make it to state by my senior year, and I’ve made it several times.”However, an injury sustained during the 2014 track season forced her to miss her entire senior cross country season.“After getting injured last year, I kind of revisited the idea of maybe not running track in college,” said Carlson. “I went for a visit and the coach was really awesome.”She will only be running cross country at Rockhurst, which took precedence over running at Maryville University or an academic-only career at Saint Louis University.“I really feel a lot better,” said Carlson. “If anything, it’s just getting back into shape. Missing cross country season really does affect your running.”Carlson plans to study physical therapy.“I’m really excited about my new team,” said Carlson. “I’ve already met almost all of them and look forward to bonding more.”

Warrenton senior Madeline Carlson recently signed her letter of intent to run cross country for Rockhurst University. Pictured are, from left, front row — Trevor Shipley, father; Madeline Carlson; Amy Long, mother; and David Long, step-father. Back row — Mike Spoede, Warrenton head track coach; and Mike Shaw, Warrenton assistant track coach. Derrick Forsythe photo.

Derrick Forsythe photo.