CHATHAM TRACK STARS, WIGHTMAN & MADSEN SIGN DIVISION I
03-18-09 -Two of Chatham’s brightest track stars recently signed to run Division I track on scholarship next year following their senior campaigns. Leah Wightman and Hayley Madsen, who dominated the Patroon Conference last year en route to leading their team to the conference title and competing well in both Sectional and State competitions, were courted by a number of programs before deciding on their final destinations.
Wightman, a senior known for her sprinting in the 200- and 400-meter races and her pole vaulting talents is heading, to the University at Buffalo, while Madsen, a top-notch distance runner, is heading to the University of Rhode Island.
After signing their letters of intent after a successful indoor track season and before their spring season, the duo headed to Boston this past weekend to compete in Nationals against some of the top high school athletes in the entire country. |
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Leah Wightman and Hayley Madsen, with their parents, sign their letters of intent for Division I athletics.
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At the nationals, both girls competed in the seeded heats which consisted of two groups. Madsen’s mile race was the first one run, and, with her future coaches from Rhode Island in attendance, she ran a strong race. Staying in a tight group running at a fast pace, Madsen was able to shave four seconds off her personal best, finishing at 5:06.34.
In the 800, Wightman also represented herself and future school well. After a physical start, she was able to work her way up through the pack. Going into the third lap, Wightman had taken the lead but was passed by two girls coming to a finish. Finishing in a time of 2:15.08, Wightman finished in 10th place when all the times were in and accounted for.
The two will keep up their busy schedule, traveling to Orlando, Florida, next week for the US outdoor season opener, The Disney Invitational. After that race, the two will get back to work with their Panthers squad, who are searching for their 15th straight Patroon Conference title.
Thanks to Steve and Suzanne Wightman for results and photos from Nationals and also Scott Steltz for photos from the signings. |
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Leah Wightman and Hayley Madsen at Nationals held in Boston.
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