Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Maddie Zarembski

Oswego IL

17 September, 2021

1:10 PM

Description

Senior Maddie Zarembski has always felt teaching her calling. Running, however, is something she learned to love. The characteristics that will undoubtedly make her a successful teacher are what also makes her one of the top runners and leaders for the Wolves cross country team, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Maddie has always played sports, but it took a while before she got into cross country. "I played soccer and swam as a kid, but I didn't really like either of them," says Maddie. So in 6th grade, Maddie decided to give the cross country team a chance. Not only did Maddie find joy in running, but she also realized it was a sport in which she could excel. "Maddie was an athlete that has an impact immediately upon joining our team," says head coach Lisa Cook. She goes on to say, "As a freshman, she was an individual state qualifier. As a sophomore, she helped a senior teammate qualify for state as an individual. As a junior, she helped lead our team to our highest Conference finish since 2010, highest Regional finish in program history, and highest team finish at a State Meet ever. So much of that is a direct result of how Maddie has pushed herself and her teammates in both practices and races throughout her career." During her time at OE, Maddie has managed to put together an impressive individual resume in both cross country and track. She has made the all-conference team all three years she has competed in cross country, qualified for state in 2018, and had the 2nd fastest time in OE history at the state course in Peoria (17:29), trailing only former state champion Ariel Michalek. In track, Maddie has also made the all-conference team three years in a row, is a two-time sectional champion and two-time state qualifier and is the current school record holder in the indoor 800m and the outdoor 4x800m relay. For all her individual success, Maddie has proven just as important, if not more so, as a teammate and a leader. "Maddie's work ethic is second to none, and she pushes the entire team to be better by leading with her actions," says Lisa. She adds, "She is the kind of athlete you hope you get to coach-one who is extremely talented but also very motivated and incredibly team-centered." As much as she has given to the track and cross country programs, Maddie has taken just as much. "It has been wonderful to see her develop her leadership skills as a part of the cross country and track team these past 4 years," says Mary Zarembski, Maddie's mom. Mary goes on to say, "The OE running programs have a set of core values, discipline, love, joy, rhythm, strength, etc. to guide their team. Maddie has taken each of these values and applied them to her running and personal growth. Maddie has learned that keeping a positive attitude and discipline can be challenging when you face adversity, but overcoming those challenges is possible with hard work and a community of support." Although unsure where she will be attending college, Maddie is committed to running in college and has scheduled visits with Eastern Illinois, Western Michigan, and UNC-Ashville. With a 4.2 G.P.A., and individual accolades in both track and field and cross country, Maddie will have a surplus of colleges to choose from. What is not undecided is Maddie will be studying to be a teacher, something she has wanted to do her entire life. I can't remember when Maddie did not want to be a teacher," says Mary. She adds, "In elementary school, she turned a spare bedroom space into her own classroom with workbooks, report cards, world maps, and her teacher desk. Maddie will be successful as an educator because she is genuinely kind and caring. She wants everyone to succeed and be their best and she knows that this often means putting in a ton of hard work." Maddie's AP U.S. History teacher, Mr. Jim Vera, saw the same qualities in Maddie last year, despite the peculiar nature of the pandemic school year. "Maddie is extremely hard-working and engaged in class," says Jim. He adds, "She is able to critically analyze a lot of topics, and she is obviously a great class leader. I think her leadership, engagement, and desire to learn make her a good candidate for both coaching and teaching." With a goal of returning to state as both an individual and team, Maddie understands there is still a lot left to accomplish at OE in both cross country and track. However, as a senior, she can reflect on her experiences already and give advice to future Wolves, saying, "High school goes by really fast. Make sure you talk to people, try new things, go to after-school activities, and get out of your shell. You want to make the most of it and have fun and meet new people." This bright senior has made the most of her opportunities so far and is on pace to continue to leave her legacy in the OE record book and do all she can to help her team to the finish line.