Salute to Seniors- Kellee McCann

 
 

 
Name: Kellee McCann
School: Northwest High School


What was your most memorable race?
 
I’ve had lots of memorable races, but the one that continues to stick out to me is the Texas Relays two mile my junior year. The atmosphere in Mike Meyers Stadium is incredible and the competition is always outstanding. My coach tells us the reason we go down there is to run fast, so I entered the race with that mindset and something to prove. I didn't win the race that day or even medal, but I had the race of my life running a PR of 10:31.25. That race is special to me because if there was ever a moment that I truly knew I had what it took to compete at the next level, it was right then. 
 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
 
We've had the pleasure of being in the same district as Southlake Carroll since my freshman year, so I got to race the best of the best day in and day out. From early on this taught me to step up and showed me the reality of what I faced outside of little Justin, Texas. Our close quarters have allowed me to watch their relentless drive and the success that accompanies that, and I'm thankful for having them there to push me to always be my best. The faces have changed over the years but they're always gamers and great people; I've loved competing with them.

What was your greatest accomplishment?
 
I think my biggest accomplishment is being both the regional course record holder in cross country and the regional meet record holder in the 3200. It's every Region 1 kid's favorite time of year when the 6 hour drive to Lubbock comes around, but I guess I've learned to run well there over the years. Those times stand as a testament to persistence and preparation, and I challenge my Region 1 compatriots to chase those records and keep pushing the limits!
 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
I don't think I'd change a thing. Every failure, every setback, is a part of what helps you grow as a runner and a person, and I wouldn't trade any of my experiences for the world.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
The hardest thing for me has been learning to deal with pressure and expectations from myself and others, and dealing with disappointment when I didn’t fulfill them. As a freshman, I felt as if the weight of the world rested on each and every performance, and was always worried about living up to others' expectations. I was anxious to please and bad performances would eat at me, because I felt I had failed. I've learned however that what we think of ourselves is far more important that what others think of us, and my responses to bad races are more level-headed as I’ve learned to view running with a wider lens.

What will you miss the most?
 
I'll miss the laughs, the trips, and the long days at practice with my teammates. I'll miss the watermelon after trail runs in the summer and the game days during off-season. But I know what I'll miss most of all is the simplicity. Right now my only responsibilities are to come to practice, go to school, and do my homework, and I know that's all about to change. High school is a luxury I don't think everyone appreciates, and I’m going to miss the days when my biggest worry was which meet shirt to wear to practice or who to pick first for capture the cone. 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?
 
Remember that this is supposed to be fun. If you're not enjoying what you're doing then you're wasting your time. When you lose sight of the fun in racing and striving to be your best, training becomes a chore, which this sport should never be. Running might seem like the most important thing in the world to you right now, but remember that running is a part of you, not all of you. 

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
 
I can’t even begin to explain the influence my coach George Lutkenhaus has had on my life. I’ve known him ever since I started running in the 7th grade, when I was still too afraid to show up to summer workouts. Since then our relationship has only grown, and he has taught me much more than just how to run fast. He’s always been there for me to offer comfort, advice, and at times, a kick in the rear end. Without his guidance I don’t think my career would ever have progressed to the level it is now, and I will continue to carry his presence in every area of my life. It’s strange to think I’ll have a new coach next year, but I’ll never forget the man who cultivated my dreams, and helped me make them a reality. 
 

What are your college plans?
 
I will be attending Syracuse University in the fall to run cross country and track, while continuing my education in exercise science. 

Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
To my parents, for supporting me in my training and coming to all of my meets and being my biggest fans.
To my coaches, for providing me with the wisdom and encouragement I needed to make myself better.
To my teammates, for inspiring me and filling my high school career with laughter and fun.
And to the running community, for being the craziest and coolest people I know.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
 
#D1Bound baby, Go Orange!