Cameron McConnell, Randall cross country, senior
On the course: The Randall senior had tremendous Saturday taking the gold medal at the extremely competitive Lovejoy Cross Country Fall Festival. McConnell, who transferred from Aurora, Colo., over the summer, ran a strong race from the start winning the 5K event with a time of 17:57.30, beating second place Gabriel Hoots of Klein Oak (18:14.48) by 17 seconds. McConnell helped lead the Lady Raiders to a sixth place finish overall. McConnell
Is currently getting Division I interest from Baylor, Oklahoma State, Princeton, and the University of Texas.
Coach Rebekah James: “She ran great. It was a very hard course, and it was the first time we’d ever ran that course. The best part was you could see the entire course and watch everyone run. There was a lot of ups and downs, but being from Colorado she was used to it. She finished second in the state for her classification in Colorado last year, so she’s a great runner. This is the first time in 40 years I’ve had someone move in that has really helped us like she has.
McConnell: “It was such an exciting race. There was some of the best state competition there, so it felt like a state meet. Winning the meet was definitely big for me. My times haven’t been where I’ve wanted them to be yet, but that course was really tough, so I’m really happy with my race. My personal-best is 17:10, and I’m hoping to break 17 minutes sometime this season.”
About McConnell
Favorite band or musician: Likes all types of music
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Emma Coburn
Bet you didn’t know: Plays the electric guitar
Parents: Bill and Denise McConnell