Name: Sean McCauley
School: Pine Creek High School
Q) What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
I think I can honestly say I have many memorable races some for positive reasons some for more negative reasons. At Footlocker Midwest this past November, I realized I didn't love the sport to the same extent that I had at previous times and this race helped my fall back in love with the sport.
Q) Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My teammates and friends, I have never had a rival. I firmly believe that your teammates and friends can be some of your stiffest competition and some of the people who push you the most to be the best you can be.
Q) What was your greatest accomplishment?
Learning to be confident in one's training and physical state is one of the biggest accomplishments a runner can have to boost performances. Learning this and putting it into effect has been one of the accomplishments that I am most proud of.
Q) If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
I would definitely focus more on the little things, I have had many Achilles and Peroneal Tendon issues throughout high school. Addressing these issues sooner is definitely something I would switch up.
Q) What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Being homeschooled I have had to learn to navigate the public school culture and system. It was difficult at first but also learning it has been quite rewarding. Another difficulty has been moving to Colorado from Maryland my sophomore year so adjusting to altitude during the XC season and joining a team partway through high school was definitely a trial.
Q) What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss the meets, some of my closest friends are from my off-season club team and not getting to see them at meets is pretty tough.
Q) What advice would you give to younger athletes?
The journey of life and running is full of ups and downs. You are more than this sport, if you let it completely define you, you will be crushed after a bad race or workout. Have interests outside of running and you will find more joy in life as well as in running.
Q) What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches whether school or club have been great role models when it comes to coaching, life, and running. They are very strong individuals and I aspire to be like them.
Q) What are your college plans?
I will be attending Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in Human and Exercise Science as well as to pursue my athletic dreams on the cross country and track teams.
Q) Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I want to say thank you to my family especially my parents who have supported me closely throughout this journey. As well as a special thank you to my coaches and teammates who I get to work alongside to pursue the dream of being the best athletes and people we can be.
Q) Is there anything else you'd like to add?
This whole situation is not what anyone thought our season would look like, and we need to make the best of it. Staying healthy, staying positive, training hard and using this as the scenic route to our dreams and goals will be one of the best ways to make it out of this time in one piece mentally and physically.
