State Spotlight: Sophomore Sjelin Makes Second Trip to State Track Meeet

Golf wasn’t the only sport that St. Michael/Albertville represented in the Class 3A state tournament. St. Michael sophomore Maddi Sjelin represented the district running the 1600 meters (1 mile) for track.

This was Sjelin’s second appearance at state, her first being when she was just a freshman. She did however improve her time since last year by 1 second.

“This year I was 11^th and ran 5 [minutes] 13 [seconds].” Sjelin shared. Sixteen other track athletes compete in the 1 mile race at state.

Sjelin started running track in seventh grade along with cross country and hockey, which she plays just about year round. “It might not be season all year, but I’m playing all year.”

She’s played hockey with the RiverHawks since she was an 8-year-old. This was the first season she made a trip to the state tournament on the ice, and was one of the top five players for the Hawks in several different statistics, including scoring and minutes. 

“I don’t necessarily train for any of the running I do in track and cross country, unless I’m at practice, because I’m pretty much always being active," she said.

There's an understatment. At typical track meets Sjelin could be seen competing  in the 4x400 relay, 800 meters, mile and 2-mile (3,200 meters). Her favorites area the mile or the 800.

“I think those are the most fun, and I typically do my best in those races,” she said.

While she says running isn’t her favorite, she just does it. “It’s not that I necessarily like it,” she said smiling.

Sjelin's parents Kurt and Kim go to all of her races and were pretty excited about her trip to state this year.

“They are super proud!” she shared.

This won’t be the last time you hear of Miss Maddi Sjelin because she’s got high aspirations for future trips to state.

“Next year I’d like to place [top 9] and even go to state in cross country.”