
MAROA, Ill. (WCIA) – The Maroa-Forsyth girls’ track and field team claimed third place at their home sectional on Thursday, with a significant portion of their points credited to the exceptional performance of Maddie Yazel.
Maddie Yazel, a sophomore sensation, secured victories in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. She also played a crucial role in helping the Trojans clinch third place in the 4×100 relay, earning a spot at the state meet in all three events.
“I’m really excited for the [100] and [200],” Yazel shared enthusiastically. “It’s anybody’s race, really. I’m just aiming to set some personal records and bring the heat.”
Remarkably, Yazel claimed gold in her individual events at sectionals even without hitting her personal best times. The relay team’s qualification for state is particularly impressive given that they were missing a key runner from their usual lineup due to injury.
In an interview with WCIA after the meet, Yazel expressed her appreciation for the support she received from her coaches and teammates.
She anchored Maroa-Forsyth to a second place finish in the 4×100 as a freshman in 2025.
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