Name: Darren McCaughan
School: Meadowbrook High School
Personal Bests:
100m: 11.10
200m: 24.33
Long Jump: 22-7.5
What was your most memorable race/competition?
It would definitely have to be the State Meet! My coach’s reaction to my All-Ohio jump was just something I’ll never forget. So much support for me that day from all of my friends and family.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The State Meet hands down. Never competed against such great athletes before.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was becoming All-Ohio and being on that podium. Shows that hard work pays off.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. The ups and downs through my 4 years of running really brought out the best in me. An experience I absolutely loved!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
What I had trouble with the most was my body size. I’m usually smaller than most people and didn’t really have that power and muscle most great runners and jumpers had. I worked very hard to become stronger and it really made a difference in where I placed in all of my races.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my coaches and teammates. They pushed me everyday to become a better athlete and looked up to me as both a leader and a role model to what they want to achieve in their track careers. I will never take them for granted.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Stay the course and never give. Just because you had a bad meet or season doesn’t mean to give up and call it quits. Push yourself to become better than what you were and always set goals for yourself. You have to fall down before you can get back up.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has taught me everything I know. I honestly can’t see myself with any other coach. He is so methodical with how he approaches problems and practices that you know you’ll get better by doing what he tells you to do. He’s hard on me at times but it just shows how much he cares and the potential he sees in me. He’s the best coach I have ever had!
What are your college plans?
I plan to run track and field at Muskingum University, while getting a degree in Music Education. Go Muskies!!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would love to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and anyone else who has came into my life and influenced me in a positive way. Without you guys, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and the type I person I’m going to be in life. Thank you!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m so thankful that track is in my life and I hope that more people join and experience how great it is!Want to be featured in the Salute to Seniors Series? Send us your answers at jojo@flosports.tv with your Twitter handle!