As part of the Hoka One Future Stars program, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclass cross country runners throughout the country. Our next profile will feature Griffin Mackey of Sewickley Academy. Mackey is the 2014 District 7 and state Class A bronze medalist. Mackey finished in the top 3 in six of his final 7 races of the season, with his Slippery Rock Invitational performance his only victory. Mackey reflects on what was an excellent season!
Tell us how you got started with competitive running.
I was tired of always being the last kid picked for baseball, lacrosse, and soccer. I wanted to play on a “team”. I kept hearing everyone tellme that I was “fast”. I decided to tryout for cross-country and fell in love with the sport.
What were some of your expectations heading into your first season?
I just wanted to make the team; I just wanted to be a good teammate. I was hoping just to be contributing member of a team.
Talk about the one race that gave you the belief that you could be really good this season.
In the summer of 2013, I ran in a charity 5k race in Washington DC. There were over 2000 runners and walkers; some competitive, some just running for fun. When I won the race and got interviewed for Run Washington magazine, I committed to a full training schedule. I finally felt that I had found my sport.
Which season do you enjoy the most and why?
I love cross-country. I love running outside, I love running hills, and I enjoy running in the elements. Also I always really enjoy the “team” atmosphere of cross-country at our school.
Which cross country course is your favorite and why?
My favorite cross-country course is the Parkview Course in Hershey, Pa where the State championship meet has been held annually since 2008. This course is my favorite for two reasons. First, because it is where the state championship is held gives it an added bonus in my mind. I have made some great memories on the highest level at Parkview. Second, I really enjoy the fact that it is a “hills” course.
Which track event is your favorite and why?
My favorite event is the two mile. I love getting to run under the lights when meets run late. I also love the strategy involved in the event.
How did your coaches help you with each step in your progression? How did they keep the sport fun? How did they take the pressure off?
My coaches have given me the freedom to fail and, ultimately, the ability to succeed. They allow me the ability to tryout my own race strategies. All my coaches just tell me to “have fun”.
What is your interaction like with your teammates since your early success?
My teammates and I are very close.We all have a passion for running. We are all very proud to be the first from our school to win WIPIAL’s and to qualify for states (where we took second place).
How do you handle the expectations that get placed on you each season?
I handle the pressure of competing in high level competition in three ways. First, I try and attack every race, practice, gym workout with an attitude of proving people wrong. I want to prove everyone wrong who says that kids from Sewickley Academy and kids from Single A in general cannot be elite athletes. Second, I try and always remember that a single race does not define who I am as a runner or as a person. This attitude gives me the freedom to go out and run the best I can that day and not be worried with results or times. Third, I remember that if I lose and fail to do what I set out to do I will just go right back into training and be ten times stronger/faster next year.
What were your goals for 2014-15? How successful were you in reaching them?
My goals entering the season were to be the top sophomore in the PIAA through all divisions, to be a top 5 finisher in the PIAA single A race, to break 16 minutes, and lastly toboth lead my team to a WIPIAL and State Championship. I accomplished all these goals except the State Championship (my continuing and unfinished goal for next year).
