Latest news with #MaggieBartlow
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBH's Bartlow named Florida Distance Athlete of the Year
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — A North Bay Haven Charter Academy graduate is closing the book on a historic high school running career, and starting a new chapter at the collegiate level. What began as a simple hobby for Maggie Bartlow transformed into a passion, and then into a college scholarship. Now, her legacy continues as she prepares to compete for Florida State University's cross-country and track programs this fall. 'I'm going to be honest, I was not expecting my high school career to turn out like this at all,' Bartlow said. Bartlow didn't always envision running at the next level. In fact, the idea of distance running once felt overwhelming. 'Distance running in particular can be very daunting,' she said. 'You're telling me I have to race three miles over grass and through mud, and I'm going to get all dirty and possibly throw up at the end. It's terrifying.' But with a passion for numbers and a drive to constantly improve her times, Bartlow became more than just comfortable with the sport, she became elite. In the fall of her senior year, Bartlow claimed Bay County's first-ever state championship in cross country. By spring, she set her sights on the track. 'My goal was the 3200,' she said. 'I wanted that 3200. The 1,600 has never been my strength, but I really, really wanted this 32.' She not only won gold in the 3,200-meter run but also earned silver in the 1,600. Her accomplishments caught the attention of MileSplit, which recently named her the Florida Girls Distance Athlete of the Year. 'I can't believe that people really think of me like that,' Bartlow said. 'The fact that I'm considered up here by other people, it's just like, oh my gosh, this is kind of unreal.' Before heading to Tallahassee, Bartlow will compete one final time as a high schooler at the Nike Nationals in Oregon. She hopes to make the Seminoles' A-team in her freshman year but said she wouldn't be where she is today without the people who've supported her along the way. 'Every person that experiences some sort of athletic success, they're going to have a family behind them or friends or teammates or coaches, teachers,' she said. 'For me, it's all of the above. I've had so many people come together and help pull me along this journey, and I would not be here if it weren't for them.' Bartlow leaves behind a legacy as perhaps the most decorated distance runner Bay County has ever produced, and she's just getting started. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Scholar Athlete of the Week – Margaret ‘Maggie' Bartlow
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – This week's Scholar-Athlete of the Week sponsored by Perry and Young P.A. is North Bay Haven's Maggie Bartlow. Maggie Bartlow, a standout both in the classroom and on the track, has officially signed to become an FSU athlete. Bartlow, recognized for her academic excellence, earned a perfect 36 on the ACT and is an active member of North Bay Haven's Beta Math Club. Unlike many collegiate athletes, sports were not a priority for her growing up. 'If you ask anybody who knows me, I am incredibly uncoordinated,' Bartlow said. 'I tried so many sports growing up—volleyball, soccer, tennis, basketball, whatever it was, I was terrible. I was so so bad. The reason I kept trying sports wasn't because I enjoyed them, but because I wanted extracurricular involvement to boost my college applications.' However, when Bartlow turned to running, her life changed. She discovered a passion for the sport, using her analytical skills to improve her performance. 'With running, you get to track statistics and see very visible improvement,' she said. 'It's not abstract like other sports. The numbers are clear, and it's easy to see progress over the years. That's super satisfying.' Bartlow's mindset continues to set her apart. Those around her describe her as relentless in her pursuit of excellence, always striving for more. 'Maggie is never satisfied,' Osmond Ashman, 'Coach K', North Bay Haven track and field coach said. 'Even if she just set a personal record, she will find a way to tell you she could have done better.' With that determination, Bartlow is ready for her next chapter at FSU and has chosen to major in mathematics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
