Badgers and Team Impact help Junior National qualifier take to the track for an exciting day
July 06, 2017 | General News, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, Badgers Give Back
Wisconsin Track and Field team and Team Impact cheer on teammate Kari
MADISON, Wis. — Last fall, Wisconsin track and field gained another star. Kari Craddock, a 13-year-old girl born with Spinabifida, signed her "national letter of intent" to train with the Badgers for the upcoming seasons.
This was made possible through Team Impact, a nationally-recognized organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
On Your Mark; Get Set; Go! ??
— Badgers Give Back (@BadgersGiveBack) June 17, 2017
For the past year, Kari trained alongside her Badger teammates during practice and at home meets, improving her skills and times on the track. Through unwavering dedication and training, Kari's hope has been that all this hard work would culminate in her qualification for the Adaptive Sports USA 2017 Junior Nationals track and field meet.
On June 17, Kari's dreams became reality. Outfitted with Badgers decals on her helmet and a Motion W tattoo stamped proudly on her cheek, Kari qualified in the 400 meters and 800 meters events as an official from USA Track and Field kept time. With the help of her cheering teammates, Kari achieved personal bests in both of her events and qualified for Junior Nationals on July 15 in Middleton, Wisconsin.
From the beginning, UW redshirt sophomore Annie Wagner developed a strong bond with Kari. After qualifying, Annie's excitement was through the roof.
"Saturday was a successful day for both Kari and the Badgers," Wagner said. "While Kari was able to qualify for nationals in two events, she showed us how to truly be Badger tough."
"As my relationship (with Kari) has grown over the last six months, she reminds me every day to work hard and to never let a situation determine my future. The University of Wisconsin is very lucky to have someone as hard working and inspiring as Kari associated with their program."
Keep up the hard work, Kari and know that the entire Badgers Family is rooting for you on July 15!
For more information about Team Impact visit: www.goteamimpact.org.
Main photo caption: Senior track team member Georgia Ellenwood runs alongside Kari as she powers to the finish line.
Players Mentioned
