MADISON HOWLAND, Women's Cross Country

Smith Center Freshman Madison Howland has been named the NCKSSports.com/Cunningham Telephone and Cable Athlete of the Week.

Howland capped off an incredible high school opening campaign with a state championship run at the 2A meet in Wamego this past Saturday.  To qualify for State, she won the 2A regional title in Great Bend the week before with a time of 18:58.26, which was nearly 39 seconds better than second-place finisher Avery Boydston of Ellis.  The two runners also finished in first and second state.  On a cool and windy day, Howland ran a season and personal-best time of 18:38.40, which was 38 seconds better than Boydston.  Howland had a clean sweep on first place finishes in regular high school meets this season, winning at TMP (9/2), Stockton (9/7), Smith Center (9/14), Beloit (9/28), Phillipsburg/MCL (10/5) and Lakeside (10/14).  On September 23, Howland competed with a field of 241 total runners at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence and finished in second place.  The event featured athletes from eight different states.

We will announce the winners each week. Remember, you can nominate an athlete from any school sport.