Running is essentially a hobby for Maggie Burton; her main passion is golf. But Burton appreciates the unique feeling she gets from pushing herself to complete a punishing 3.1-mile cross country race.
“Once you’re done, you feel like you’ve really accomplished something,” Burton said. “It gives you a real sense of accomplishment and pride, and it doesn’t take too long. But once you’re done, it’s really nice to know that you’ve finished.”
As an outgoing, highly active leader, Burton has plenty of other things to be proud of.
Coach’s corner.
Burton, a team co-captain, is one of nine seniors on the Seagulls squad. She’s not Everett’s fastest runner — Burton usually ranks among the team’s top-10 finishers — but “she still steps up and is a leader. She is very take-charge and lets the girls know what needs to be done,” Everett girls cross country coach Mary Jo
Veneziani said.
Burton does her best to include classmates too, said Veneziani: “She’s just so spirited and tries to get everybody involved.”
Favorite course to run.
South Whidbey High School’s course in Langley. “I like that it has all the different components,” said Burton, noting the popular course’s mix of forested, hilly and wide-open terrain. Last season Burton set a personal record on the course.
Shaping up.
A three-time state golf tournament qualifier, Burton hopes to golf — not run — in college. But she said running in the fall helps her prepare for the spring golf season: “Sometimes when I’m running I’ll think, ‘OK, this is for that 18th hole. This is for those last couple shots when it’s down to the wire.’”
Seagulls’ spirit.
Burton is Everett High’s Associated Student Body president and has been its Spirit Club president the past two years. She said she strives to make the high school experience enjoyable for her peers. “I like seeing all the students come together and have a good, fun time. I like to see spirit and the kids enjoying themselves in a safe way,” Burton said.
Dream job.
After college Burton might pursue a career in event planning, which would allow her to use her leadership and organizational skills. She’d like to get involved in a good cause, possibly running golf tournaments that raise money for charity.
Yee haw!.
Burton is a devoted country music fan. She saw her favorite group, Rascal Flatts, in March at the Tacoma Dome. The all-male trio put on an excellent live show, said Burton, whose favorite Rascal Flatts song is “My Wish.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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