Senior Madeline Piekarz has committed to running Division I track at Butler University next fall. Her numerous accomplishments have led to this commitment.
Piekarz typically runs the 100M, 60M and 200M. She also competes in the 4X100M, 4X200M and 4X400M relay. She has broken a multitude of records at East, even breaking some more than once. Her personal best 60M time is 7.72 seconds, her 100M time is 11.88 seconds and her 200M time is 24.96 seconds.
In her NCSA college recruiting statement, she described her experience in high school track, stating, “I quickly realized I was in a whole new ballpark. It was challenging, but I persevered. I became part of an amazing, supportive team and ended my freshman year as an all-county, all-conference, and all-sectional athlete.” She described challenges she faced and how she persevered through them: “Sophomore year brought its own challenges. I hit a slump. I ran scared and anxious, feeling the weight of expectations. But I eventually learned that pressure is privilege. I pushed through, and by the end of the season, I was running at the state meet in the 4×200 with an incredible group of girls.”
She broke multiple records her junior year and led other athletes as a captain: “I broke three school records in the indoor and outdoor 200 meters and the 60 meter dash. I also helped lead our young 4×200 and 4×400 relays to times of 1:43 and 3:58. Those relays were made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores, and as their captain, I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished together.”
She ended her statement by saying, “I love track and field. It has taught me how to be tough and resilient, and it continues to teach me valuable life lessons every day. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.”
In her Instagram post announcing her commitment to Butler University, she gave thanks to the staff at TNT Ignite, an athletic development center, East coaches Michael Kososki, Bradley Kaplan, Ben Provencher and Butler University Coach Jeff. Furthermore, she goes on to thank” God [.] My faith has carried me through this life journey, and without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also want to thank my family for being such a huge support system. I can’t thank them enough for coming to all my meets, no matter how long they had to wait just to watch me run. I’m beyond grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
Congratulations to Piekarz, who will carry on her legacy at East forward to Butler University this fall!
