Tepe Signs To Run At McKendree
Madelyn Tepe, with her parents Matt and Val Tepe. Val Tepe is also the Okawville High School Cross Country Coach. Standing is Okawville High School Track Coach Dee Holmes, and Okawville High School Athletic Director Jon Kraus.
By Brent Huelsmann
Okawville High School senior Madelyn Tepe has made a decision to continue her athletic career after high school. MadeynTepe signed to run cross country and track at McKendree University upon graduation. Tepe is a three sport athlete for the Lady Rockets as she runs cross country, track, and is also on the basketball team.
When asked why McKendree was the right fit, Tepe said, “I chose McKendree because it was closer to home, and I really liked the coach and the atmosphere with the track team.
McKendree University is located in Lebanon Illinois. McKendree is an NCAA Division II school, and competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Also competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference is Bellarmine, Drury, Illinois Springfield, Indianapolis, Lewis, Maryville, Missouri S&T, Missouri-St. Louis, Quincy, Rockhurst, Southern Indiana, Truman State, UW-Parkside, and William Jewell.
As for the biggest adjustment as she moves from high school to college, Madelyn Tepe said, “I think just running with different people, and the practice is different. Just having more than one practice in one day, I think adjusting to that will be the hardest part.”
Madelyn Tepe has been a leader this past season for the Lady Rockets cross country team. Coach Val Tepe praised Madelyn for working hard. “She’s been pretty well one of the leaders. She’s improved every year. I think some of the girls were looking up to her, especially now that she’s got the scholarship to go run. A lot of people don’t realize, that you can get money to go run.”
Val Tepe went on to praise how hard Madelyn worked this past season. “I think she finally realized what she is capable of, and it showed early on in the season, and she had that drive.”
Madelyn Tepe was named All-South this past season, and advanced to the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet. Madelyn Tepe finished 69th at State this past season. Last year in Track, Madelyn was part of Okawville’s 4X800M Relay team that finished sixth in Class 1A last season. Madelyn also advanced to the IHSA Class 1A State Track Meet in the 800M run.
As for the memories at Okawville, Madelyn said some stick out to her. “State and then during one practice last year, Abby Riechmann and I, we ran three miles. We were screaming and yelling, singing High School Musical songs while running. We were totally out of breath, but it was a lot of fun.
Madelyn said she will miss the runners on the team most of all when she leaves Okawville. As for a major in college, Madelyn is currently undecided.
