Brooks Mountain Track runner Madoc Lathroum Signs Letter of Intent to Run Cross Country and Track for Concord University’s Teams
Madoc Lathroum has always loved to run according to his mom. “He loved running so much, I used to ask his elementary school gym teacher if he’d consider hosting an elementary school track team.”
Madoc joined the Summers County High School track and field team as a high school freshman. He ran the 800 and 1600 meter events that year. Remembering his first race, he said, “I was not prepared. I thought I was in good shape, but I felt awful after that run.”
He decided that he would need to dedicate himself to his sport by building his stamina.
Coach Stephen Starlipper joined the SCHS coaching staff during Madoc’s sophomore year and encouraged him to run in the 1600 and 3200 meter events. Madoc continued to best his personal records.
Coach Starlipper started SCHS cross country team in the fall of 2019. During the competitive season, the team ran the 3.1 mile events two and three times a week. When the season was over, Madoc continued running and working out every day, logging 40–45 miles per week.
Madoc was looking forward to running track during his junior year. The week practice started, school was cancelled with no indication when school and sports would resume. That didn’t stop Madoc from running. He continued to increase his weekly miles, eventually logging 50-60 miles every week.
The SCHS cross country team led by coaches Starlipper and Hope Cooper started practice in September. The team was able to compete in several races with Madoc and fellow teammate Sarah Turner placing in the top 10 at regional races, earning them a spot in the state competition.
During the season, Madoc met Concord University’s Coach Cox and started discussing Madoc’s desire to run competitively in college. On Monday, Nov. 16, Madoc signed a letter of intent to run on the Concord University‘s cross country and track teams and is looking forward to starting college next year.
