Elk Lake senior Maria Trowbridge signed her letter of intent Monday to continue her cross country and track and field career at Southeast Missouri State. Seated from left are her mother Valerie; Trowbridge; and her father Eugene II. Standing, same order, are her sister Elizabeth; Elk Lake athletic director Tony Blaisure; coach Will Squier; and assistant high school principal Brian Mallery. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN WOODRUFF
BY JOBY FAWCETT
Times-Shamrock Writer
Maria Trowbridge wanted to find a place where running would remain fun.
She thinks that she has found it atSoutheastMissouriState.
One of the most accomplished cross country and track and field runners in the history of the Lackawanna Track Conference from Elk Lake, she secured a scholarship to the NCAA Division I program that competes in the Ohio Valley Conference.
“Getting to a Division I school was something I was open to but, mostly, I wanted to find a team that I fit in really well with and can have an impact on while still having fun,” Trowbridge, 18, said. “I want running to be something that I will still look forward doing each and every day.”
In cross country, Trowbridge earned All-Region honors in each of her four seasons.
As a junior, she helped lead the girls program to a PIAA Class AA team championship by placing sixth individually. Last season, she led them to a second-place team finish, while earning an individual medal, finishing 11th in 19 minutes, 39 seconds.
As a track and field performer, Trowbridge has earned three All-Region berths as a distance runner.
Last spring, she earned a pair of silver medals at the District 2 Class AA championship meet in the 1600 and 3200.
She won a fourth-place medal at the PIAA championships as a junior in the 3200 with a time of 10:59.82.
That career opened doors of opportunity for her. Trowbridge also considered Alabama, PennState and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Instead, though, she will go to Southeast Missouri State, where she plans to study nursing. She does have family in Missouri, her uncle John Trowbridge and aunt Sheila Trowbridge live close to the campus.
“I’m really excited,” Trowbridge said. “I got a visit and got to see the campus and meet the coaches and athletes. I felt like I had a really good time and I felt very comfortable being there.
“It’s not too big and it’s not too small. The atmosphere is really friendly and welcoming.”
In the winter, Trowbridge is training during the indoor track and field season, while getting ready for the spring.
“I’ve just been getting miles in,” Trowbridge said. “We went to a couple of indoor meets to get pace work in. The weather has been really nice and I have been able to be on the track.
“I’m looking forward to the season.”
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