CPALIONS. ORG
RUNNING THROUGH CHALLENGES ONE STEP AT A TIME
BY NICHOLAS MADDUX, JUNIOR
Nicholas Maddux has faced down self-doubt, injury, and even a hospital stay— all with running shoes on. Through the highs and lows of cross country and track, he’ s discovered that the most powerful victories aren’ t just on the podium, but in the persistence it takes to get there.
Humble Beginnings
My first experience with cross country wasn’ t exactly love at first run. I joined the lower school team in 3rd grade— mostly because my friend James Armistead wasn’ t playing football and convinced me to run with him. We had fun in practice thanks to Coach Marmolejo’ s creative games, but the meets were brutal. One-and-a-half miles felt like a marathon, and I was always one of the last boys to finish— sometimes even passed by girls who started after me. I desperately wanted a medal, but I never came close. After that single season, I swore off running for good.
All In on Basketball
From 4th through 7th grade, basketball became my world. I played year-round— winter league, AAU, tournaments— nonstop. Running was a distant memory … until a surprise twist at the end of 7th grade. My cousin Will Carter and I finished our final exam early, and our proctor, Mrs. McGee, encouraged us to check out the middle school cross country interest meeting. We signed up on a whim, mostly to stay active in the fall. It didn’ t feel like a big decision at the time. It was.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
When I saw Will Carter training over the summer, I realized I had to get serious. My first run— two miles— was rough. But I committed to showing up, no matter what. Slowly, running got easier. I built consistency and confidence, and by the time practice started, I was in shape and ready to compete. Coach Jackson immediately believed in me and encouraged me to lead, even as a first-year runner. That trust helped me believe in myself.
My first meet back since lower school ended in 11th place. That one result flipped a switch in me. Week after week, I improved. By the time of the HVAC Championship, I ran a personal best and placed 8th overall— finally earning the medal I’ d dreamed of since 3rd grade. I wore it to school the next day. I was hooked.
Upper School: Going the Distance
Freshman year brought a new challenge: 5Ks. Thanks to Coaches Nathan Cummings and Kyle McFee, I improved steadily, finishing the season with a personal best of 17:45. Track season added more victories with PRs in the 1600( 4:40) and 800( 2:12).
Sophomore year, I trained hard and came into the season confident. In the final meet, I went out strong, hitting my first mile in 5:00. But with half a mile to go, I collapsed. I blacked out and woke up in the hospital, where I stayed for two days. That moment could’ ve ended my season— or my running altogether. But with time, prayer, and support, I returned. I remembered what running had taught me all along: just keep showing up. And I did— back in time for track.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, I hope to run in college and study political science and economics. Through CPA’ s Law and Advocacy team, and the mentorship of Ms. Suzanna McKinney, I’ ve discovered a passion for justice, advocacy, and leadership. I want to leave a positive impact on CPA and the community that’ s poured into me.
One Step at a Time
Running has given me far more than medals or finish times. It’ s taught me about perseverance, leadership, and getting up when life knocks you down. If there’ s one thing I’ ve learned, it’ s this: the finish line matters— but it’ s the fight to keep going that shapes who you are.
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