PA Salute to Seniors: Molly McKeon - Pope John Paul II HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was junior year at Districts. I so clearly remember coming through the third lap of mile with the exact time I wanted to hear. The best part was my legs were still feeling great and I gave that last lap everything I had, leading me to a huge PR.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Over the past 4 years, I faced my biggest competition at the District 1 AAA Championships, with such a competitive field and being one of the toughest districts I was able to run my best times at this meet.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Holding the school records in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m runs stands out the most to me. Although I am done running for PJP, I feel I have left my legacy. I hope these records give others in the future a goal to reach for because after all, records are made to be broken.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I would have picked up cross country. Although I loved every minute and have many fond memories from my high school soccer career, I think cross country would have been very beneficial for me. Instead of spending my winter putting in mileage and trying to get back into shape, I could have been more competitive at the state level.
What were some of the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Balancing school, sports, a part time job and a social life was very difficult at times. Each of these are important aspects in my life so I had to make it work. I eventually learned how to manage my time so I could maintain such a busy schedule. I will reap the benefits of time management in all I do throughout college and beyond.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates the most. They were the ones I would not only train with, but also the ones I would spend my free time with. I'll miss all of our pasta parties, team sleepovers, group messages, track photo shoots and everything in between. I can't wait to come back and visit them :)
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have always been supportive of me. Coach Doug continually pushed me harder knowing the potential I had. Although I may not have enjoyed every workout he made me do at the time, I could not be more appreciative. I would not be headed to run at Monmouth University without his help.
What are your college plans?
I will be running cross country and track and field at Monmouth University.
Shout Outs?
S/O to Gary Heuring and Mr. Mooney for introducing me to the wonderful sport of track, my high school coaches, Coach Dobry and Coach Doug, the D1 role models I had the privilege of being teammates with during my underclassmen years, Rachel Chernaskey and Kirsten Schulte, Sam Fulmer for taking me under her wing freshmen year and teaching me everything I needed to know about track, Sunny for experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly with me throughout these past 4 years, the 1k cal club and my amazing teammates and friends especially my best friends on and off the track Lexi Kapusta,Caroline McLaughlin and Maddie Pence.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Running doesn’t take anything, it gives back. If you put in the work, there is no doubt that you will succeed. Most of all enjoy it, be competitive and leave it all on the track each and every time!
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: don@penntrackxc.com and answer the questions below! And if you can, point us to a pic or two or include them with your email. Make sure you have the right to use it, please.