PA Salute To Seniors: Demetrius McCary - Great Valley
Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all your hard work and success.
My name is Demetrius McCary and I attend Great Valley High School. Below are my responses!
What was your most memorable race/competition?
- My most memorable race was at 2011 New Balance Nationals, Championship 1600m Sprint Medley, where we placed 4th and gained All-American status. That was also the first time we put our “A” SMR together, so placing 4th and running a US#5 time was astonishing. It was amazing racing against top-notch competitors, like Zavon Watkins.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
-I faced my biggest competition at the Penn Relays this year. We were in the DMR Championship of America and with teams like CBA, St. Benedict's Prep, and LaSalle racing; it was a fast DMR from the start!
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
-I'd have to say winning the DMR this year at Indoor States was a huge accomplishment. It was my third and final time at the State meet and winning it was the perfect end to a successful indoor season.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
-I would change my workout/race mentality. I relied way too much on my kick, and because of that, I don't believe I fully reached my potential in the 800. I would take out the first lap with the pack and during the 400-650 portion of the race; I would relax and wait until the last 150 to put on a huge kick. I didn't really feel the consequences of this mentality until my time hit a plateau. I hit my PR (1:58) leading off a 4x800 where I was completely alone the whole race and had no one to chase, so I just ran to win. By the end I thought I ran poorly because I didn’t feel too bad, but when I heard I ran a PR, it was a huge boost to my 800 confidence. That's when I knew I could go much faster with competition if I raced it right, but my mentality just never allowed me to.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
-Injuries were the most difficult obstacles I had to overcome. Pulling my Achilles tendon at the end of XC, pulling a muscle in my back from incorrect lifting form (whoops!) towards the end of indoor, and multiple quad injuries during workout 150s were huge barriers, mentally and physically, that I had to overcome. Because of how many times I strained/aggravated my quad, I was afraid to run all out during races. I was always fearful of pulling something again so I would hold a little back, not much, but still not putting forth 100% effort.
What will you miss the most?
-I will miss my teammates most. Over the last few years we have become a family and I would do anything for them. I'm more proud of them than they will ever know and I'll never forget our friendship and memories. I wish I could take them with me to college because leaving them will be one of the most difficult things that I will ever have to do. They're like a second family and I love them so much!
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
-If you have a bad race, don't let it influence your next one. As Zor would always say, "Have a short memory." That may be one of the most important pieces of advice that he has ever given me. There's no need to beat yourself up over one race, or let it affect another race.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
-My coaches have influenced me so much over the last few years and I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for them. I ran for Upper Darby my freshman and sophomore years and Coach Nelson would always push me to my limits. He would always call me on my crap and pushed me to be the best runner that I could be, especially with the del-phi workout. To this day I have never been in so much pain, it's indescribable, but it made me a 49 point sophomore, so I thank him for that. My junior year I transferred to Great Valley and finished out my high school career there. Coach Zor, Jones, Bonnem, Kelly, and Gring have been so influential in goals and performance. Without them I would never have hit the times that I did. As for training wise, I’d like to thank Coach Zor, Jones, and Bonnem. I know I would complain about the pace for workouts… basically every workout… but they made me better. Thank you so much for pushing me, even when I really didn’t want to be pushed. You guys spend so much of your lives planning for us and words cannot express everything you guys mean to me. You’ve helped me grow so much as an athlete and person, thank you.
What are your college plans?
-I will be attending the University of Delaware and pursuing a career in Chemical Engineering. Unfortunately, Delaware does not have a men's track team. They do have a club team, which I may run for, but I'm not completely sure yet. I will make the decision most likely after my NSO (New Student Orientation).
Shout-Outs?
- Shout-out to all Great Valley and Upper Darby Athletes and coaches, I love you all! I know next season you guys will be very successful, I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Shout-out to my girlfriend, Allison Lock, who is always cheering me on during practices and races, even when I was in a lot of pain and sometimes yelled, “Shut up!” I’m sorry for that, I’m glad you didn’t shut up because you always made me run faster.
Shout-out to Tom Coyle, Jack Huemmler, Wellz Zaza, and Brendan Shearn! You guys are excellent athletes and people, tear it up next year!
Last, but not least, shout-out to Quinn Devlin and Ned Willig. I know this isn’t how you imagined your senior year ending, but you both had amazing careers and I know you’re both ready to take the next step and tear it up at the collegiate level. Good luck at Columbia and Brown!
Want to be featured in our PA Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: don@penntrackxc.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.