With some improved confidence and another year of training under her belt, Madi Thomann set out last weekend to improve on last year’s state meet performance. She did just that.

This year the Highland junior was laser-focused at the state meet. Finishing in 21:21 and a 63rd-place finish, her time was almost 90 seconds better than last year and just one second off her personal record.

“I think this year her mindset was a little different,” Highland coach Angie Strobel said. “She has matured more and has more confidence as a runner. When she does encounter problems she knows how to get past them.”

The Highland cross country team’s motto this season according to Strobel was “suffering is our passion.” Strobel said that Madi embraced that on the way to finishing 36 spots higher than last season.

“Once the races started she saw all the things she had learned and was able to do that,” Strobel said. “She has a lot more energy this year, she’s getting older and has more confidence in herself.”

After winning one race as a junior, Thomann added one more race win to her total. Taking first place at the Mike Jay Invite in Columbus.

Thomann also captured the school girls 5K record this season with a time of 21:20 at the qualifying meet.