SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Ellie Maddox was this year’s Class A Cross country state champion.

The senior from Sioux Falls Christian has battled injuries, and her own mind.

Luke Vander Leest said, “She came out for cross country when she was an 8th grader and won the state title, and then had a few injuries and to come back and to finish her career with another state title, after coming up a little short over the last few years, is just a really sweet full circle for her.”

After becoming a state champion her 8th grade year, Maddox was favored to win the competition in 9th grade.

Ellie Maddox said, “Freshman year, the pressure just got to me and I think just along with changing and growing I just didn’t know how to race the same way.”

And then the injury bug bit.

The day bef

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