An Interview with Sarah McCauley

 

McCauley was coached by Missy Kaiser at Phillip Barbour High School. In 2010, the 5-foot-4 senior raced to the Class AA individual state championship, finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of her next-closest competitor and leading the Colts to the state team title while earning First Team All-State honors. McCauley was also the fastest West Virginia runner at the 2010 Foot Locker South Regional championships, finishing 53rd in 18:32.94. She was also the 2010-2011 Gatorade West Virginia Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, making her the first Gatorade West Virginia Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year to be chosen from Philip Barbour High School. 

In track, McCauley became the 1600 meter champion in 2008, 2010, and 2011. She was the 3200 meter champion in 2010 and 2011.

Some of her personal records in high school include a 1600m time of 5:09, 3200m time of 11:26, and 5k time of 18:32.

Currently McCauley is in her fifth year at West Virginia University where she runs track and cross country for Coach Sean Cleary.

 

Coach McMillion – Where did you grow up?

 

Sarah McCauley - I grew up in Belington, WV

 

CM - What sports did you participate in as a youngster?

 

SM - I started playing basketball when I was 5 up ‘til I graduated high school. I also played little league baseball, and some church softball. My Mom had a baton group where I twirled for 12 years, and then I joined the Belington Middle School band and was feature twirler. I also did tumbling for 5 years while I cheered for Barbour County American Youth Football. And then I began playing volleyball my 8th grade year up until I graduated from high school. 

 

CM -When did you first start running?

 

SM – I really began "running" during middle school when we had to do the "mile run" for the Presidential Physical Fitness test. I always wanted to beat the boys, and there was always this one boy (Dereck Price) who pushed and pushed me because I was always right on his tail. And then my freshman year of high school I was contemplating on doing girls softball, but the upperclassman really wanted me to "run shuttle hurdles" for the track team. So when I went home to tell my parents that I was doing track, my Dad laughed and said, "Track is a fast sport, you should just do softball." (There's a pretty cool ending…so just wait!)

 

CM – What middle school & high school did you attend?

 

SM - I went to Belington Middle School where I did basketball, volleyball, and twirling in the band. And then on to Philip Barbour High School where I did volleyball, cross country, basketball, and track.

 

CM – Did anybody else in your family run?

 

SM – No one in my family was ever really a "runner." My Dad played football, and my Mom was a cheerleader (still the best cheerleader in my life that's for sure!)

 

CM - Which sport did you like better, track or cross country?

 

SM - Hmmm... In high school, I really enjoyed cross country AND track. What I liked most about cross country though were THE HILLS!! I was always so excited for the hilly courses because that's where I was the strongest. 

 

CM – When did you first start to have success at running?

 

SM – Since shuttle hurdles did not work out so well in the beginning, my coach decided I would be better at distance running. I was very blessed to have success my freshman year on the track team winning my first State Championship in the 1600m run. Which then led me to ask my volleyball coach if I could run cross country in the fall and still play volleyball.

 

CM – What was your favorite training workout?

 

SM – My favorite training workout - ARB hills.

 

CM – About how many miles a week did you run in high school?

 

SM – I probably ran 20-30 miles a week in high school (not including the training for volleyball practice).

 

CM – What is the race that you’re most proud of?

 

SM - The race I am most proud of would be my senior year 3200m track state championship! Dealing with a stress fracture, I had to sit out for most the season & train in various pools to keep my conditioning up to be able to qualify for states. Qualifying for states in all my events, and then winning another 3200m & 1600m state championship was worth it all! All glory to God!

 

CM - I had the privilege to watch you race in high school, and I noticed that you always had a smile on your face, why was that?

 

SM - This would definitely have to be my favorite question, because many people always had a similar question, "how do you smile and run?" My honest answer is the joy of Jesus Christ in my heart. I love running to glorify Him!

 

CM – Who would you credit your success too? Why?

 

SM – I would credit my success to my Savior Jesus Christ. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13. I have leaned on this verse for many years, and I believe the Bible is true. I would not have made it this far in my running career without the Lord!

 

CM – Who was your biggest motivator?

 

SM – My biggest motivator? I am truly blessed to have so many. My parents have always pushed me and encouraged me, along with my Godparents, and great community. I will say my Uncle Jim (Godfather) motivated me when I was so tired after volleyball practice and didn't want to go home to run. He told me if I wanted to be good at this sport, then I had to practice. So every evening after volleyball practice I would go to my Godparents house, change my shoes, and follow my Uncle Jim's lights on "the mule" because he had created my own cross country course out on his property for me to practice on.

 

CM - Did you participate in any other athletics in high school?

 

SM - I loved being able to play 4 sports in high school. I know now-a-days kids like to focus on just one sport, but I'm so thankful my parents and coaches never made me choose just one. I loved being the setter on the varsity volleyball team, while running cross country. And then playing varsity basketball in the winter. And running track in the spring. Wouldn't trade those days for anything!

 

CM – Did you attend college after high school?

 

SM - I am starting my 5th year at WVU.

 

CM – Did you compete in college athletics?

 

SM – I also run cross country and track for WVU.

 

CM - Let’s get away from the running questions. What’s your major?

 

SM – My major is Dental Hygiene.

 

CM – What’s the most important thing in your life?

 

SM – The most important thing(s) in my life - my relationship with Jesus Christ, my family, and my boyfriend Michael.

 

CM - What are some of your future plans?

 

SM - My future plans include passing my Dental Hygiene boards, graduate from WVU, continue running, and start my career as a Dental Hygienist wherever the Lord may place me!

 

A few Quick Questions:

CM: What shoes do you train in?

 

SM - I train in Adrenaline Brooks. (Funny story, I use to train/race in the Cascadia Brooks - which is a trail shoe. I loved the way they felt, even though they were practically the heaviest shoe in the store. I never knew you were supposed to race in a "lighter shoe."

 

CM - Favorite athlete?

 

SM - Emma Coburn

 

CM - Favorite song?

 

SM – Favorite song - God's Been Good (by the Robbie Mullinax Family).

 

 

CM - If you could travel anywhere where would you go?

 

SM - I would love to travel to Hawaii.

 

CM – What’s your favorite catch-phrase, quote or bible verse?

 

SM - ONE of my favorite bible verses would be Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

 

CM – Thank you so much for your time Sarah. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

 

SM - Mr. McMillion, thank you again for giving me the opportunity to fill out your interview. What a huge blessing! And thank you for being patient for my responses. Have a great rest of your week!

God Bless, Sarah :)

 

“Sarah McCauley is a competitor in every sense of the word,” said Philip Barbour head coach Melissa Kaiser. “Everything she does is designed to help her compete at the highest level possible and make herself a better runner and person.”