Admiral Farragut senior Hunter McCann is the sixth fastest returner in class 1A. McCann was 27th last year at the state meet and owns a personal best of 16:22.15 from the 1A Region 3 Championship. We caught up with him to talk about how he started out in the sport, his outlook for 2015, and much more in this XC Spotlight.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running for over ten years and I started because my parents were runners and I caught interest.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race would be when I was in Plant City in my 8th grade year doing a 5k with Daniel Dean. I ran a 16:33 and won. He was always my favorite racer to go up against. We would really give it our all in our races. I also remember my dad texted my cross country coach at Osceola that morning and told him what I did and my coach responded "Can't wait till fall".
How is your summer training going?
My summer training is going great. I'm working on new tactics and training at new places. I'm really going for a top three finish in the state, but I really want to do ever better.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is my bridge work out. To me it's very helpful and fun. To me it pushes me in a way a track can't because of the elevation and the way the top of the bridge seems to not get closer.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
I'm not 100% sure what my schedule will look, but I'm sure it'll be big meets like Seffner, Lake Holloway, and the flrunners Invitational.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course is the state course. I'm not a fan of the new changes they're doing to it.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
The toughest course in the state is Estero. Going up the hill and running through the volleyball courts is very hard.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
In my running accomplishments what stands out the most would be my performance at regionals. That race I was ranked 12th and I knew that a bad race would put me out of states. I was passing people like nothing and came in 7th in the race. I really saw my potential in what I can do and I know I can do better. I just need the mental strength. I'm a fifteen minute runner and I need to really get that in my mind
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
My goals for this season is to break sixteen minutes and finish top three in the state.
What do you love most about running?
What I love most about running is that I'm the only one that can do it all myself. No one is running for me and I can earn all achievements all by myself.
Finish this sentence... Hunter McCann is _____.
Hunter McCann is lovable. No one is like him and he'll always keep a smile on his face everyday
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Hunter. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"God didn't make me to come second" Ayrton Senna
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
A pre-race ritual I like to do is kneel down on one knee and say a prayer to myself.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is baby octopus. It's sushi.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was the Minions. I saw it with my girlfriend, but I didn't really like the movie that much.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
My favorite shoe to run in Asics DL Racers in red. To me the color does matter.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
The professional athlete I would want to meet is Tim Tebow. He is a true leader that is willing to give everything he has and will never give up.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Something that people that don't know about me is I have a true passion for cars. I really would like to learn about them and in my future work on engines.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If I was on an island the three things I would bring are a bed with blankets, a thousand boxes of Twinkies, and my girlfriend with my family.