We will continue our watch list until the week of the State Meet!
If you are in the top 10 in the rankings on your event and you have not been contacted for the Watch List please contact me at Mkkelly70@aol.com or have your coach contact me. Facebook is charging a dollar fee to contact anyone not listed as a friend.
Journal Questions:
Name: McKenna Gaffney
High School: Xavier College Preparatory
Year of Graduation: 2013
Track and Field PR's:
1600: 5:06
800: 2:22
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:
I received a flyer at my elementary school about club track, and my sister thought it would be fun to tryout. Especially because my hand-eye coordination is not up to par. This will be my 7th year running competitively.
What is a typical training week like for you?
Usually the week starts out with a hard work out followed by an easy day, another hard day, and then an easy day, and a long run at the end of the week. I double sometimes to get more minutes in.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
My goals are to run under 5 minutes in the 1600, run under 2:20 in the 800, and to be a leg on our State 4x800 team.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
I try not to think of the race until the day of. I keep my mind occupied because I tend to over think my races. Superstitions… I have to triple knot my spikes.
What does your season look like and will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
I am really excited for the season. Our coach put us in more meets this year, to try and give the girls plenty of opportunities to qualify for state, and try out different races. We already attended Arcadia Invitational, which was a blast, and some girls will be attending Mt. SAC Relays. I do not plan on competing after the high school season, but you never know!
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
Train with people who are better than you. You are only going to get faster when you have someone to chase. Ultimately, have a positive attitude in everything you do, it makes a difference.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
I would attribute my success to the continuous support and belief from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
I have been given the honor to be coached by Dave Van Sickle, Jeff Messer, Haley Paul, and Vito Perrone these past years. They are the perfect remedy for a top notch coaching staff.
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
I usually compete in the 1600, 800, and the 4x800. However, it is a toss up between the 4x800 and the 1600. I love team-oriented races, but the 1600 is the perfect distance to incorporate endurance and speed at the same time.
What are 3 things we don't know about you?
1. I will be running for the University of Arizona
2. I've never dyed my hair
3. I ripped my Achilles tendon in 6th grade
Quick 7:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Peanut Butter & Jelly and Sliced Strawberries
Favorite TV show or movie?
TV- Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Meet?
I have two..... Arcadia Invitational and Mt. SAC Relays
Celebrity Crush?
Channing Tatum
Perfect temperature to compete in?
70 degrees and a slight sprinkle of rain
Favorite song?
Floats My Boat - Aer
Favorite quote/or saying?
“ The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.” – Stephen Richards