When she first got serious about running, Naperville North senior Campbell Petersen looked out toward her future.
“Ever since I was in sixth grade,” she said, “it has been a dream of mine to run in college.”
Petersen made a decisive step toward that goal when the two-sport standout announced her commitment to the University of Alabama for cross country and track.
She picked the Crimson Tide over Texas and Mississippi. With her father Mark, Petersen made a visit three weeks ago to the campus in Tuscaloosa.
“I really liked everything about it,” she said. “I knew it was the place for me right when I got there. Coach (Will) Palmer, the assistant who handles distance runners, was very communicative during the process.
“He made it clear he wanted me not only as an athlete but as a person in general.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Petersen could not formally meet with coach Dan Waters and his staff or have an official tour of the facilities. She did interact with other runners via Zoom.
Naperville North coach Dan Iverson said Petersen’s talent, drive and natural ability make her a coveted college prospect.
“There are not many high schoolers around who have run a 4:54 mile, so she clearly has the talent to compete well at the next level,” Iverson said. “We are very proud of the progress she has made.
“But I am actually more excited to watch her over the next few years as she continues to grow.”
Petersen has been a crucial part of four state championship teams for two different powerhouse programs.
She made a spectacular debut as a freshman at Dunlap, helping the Eagles capture Class 2A state titles in cross country and track.
Petersen finished second in the 2A state meet in cross country. In track, she won the 1,600 meters and finished runner-up in the 3,200.
“That definitely boosted my confidence a lot,” she said. “Freshman year was a huge learning process for me. I had no idea what I was getting into.
“I went in with an open mind and learned I was capable of a lot more than I thought I was. That helped a lot.”
Her family moved to Naperville during the summer before her sophomore year, and she made an immediate contribution.
As a sophomore at Naperville North, Petersen finished 25th in the state, helping the Huskies capture their third straight 3A state title.
“When I moved to Naperville, the competition was greater but the confidence I had as a freshman shot into 3A,” she said. “And that helped me run against the really fast girls.”
Petersen had a hard-luck junior season as Naperville North cruised to its fourth consecutive state championship. Petersen was injured much of the year.
Her lack of training showed, and she finished 101st.
“I was trying to get back into it, and then when track came, I was ready to have a great season,” Petersen said.
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She ran a 4.59 indoors in the 1,600. The pandemic wiped out the outdoor track season.
Petersen also endured a difficult summer as she dealt with another injury.
But with her future mapped out, her goal now is to complete her high school career on a high note.
“It has been a little bit of a mess, but I am fully healthy now,” she said. “I am not where I want to be. This season is going to be more of a progression.
“It is going to take some time. I am just really happy to race again.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.