Shrine Bowl Run interview: Ford McCoy of St. Joseph's


Name: Ford McCoy
Hobbies: Running, basketball, disc golf, biking, hanging out with friends 
Academic Interests: Biology
Personal bests: 5K-15:51, 800-1:58, 1600-4:27, 3200-10:05

What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital? 

It's an incredible honor to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team. It shows that all my hard work over the past six years has paid off, and I'm glad I have the opportunity to help the Shriners Hospital.

What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year? 
I have heard it's a great opportunity to meet other runners and help the Shriners Hospital.

What do you hope to experience during the event?
I'm looking forward to meeting and spending time with some of the other runners in the state.  I am sure that participating on the Shrine Bowl Run team will be an experience that I will never forget.

How are you preparing to run with a football?
I've been playing some pick-up football with my friends lately to get ready to run with the football.

How would you rate your senior season? 

It's been really enjoyable both athletically and academically.

What future goals do you have? 
I'm hoping to have a successful career in biology, and make an impact on the team at Wofford in both track and cross country.

Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain. 
 
Yes, I recently signed to run cross country and track at Wofford College.  I am really looking forward to being in college and being part of a great group of guys at Wofford.

How did you get involved with the sport and when? 
My brother ran cross country in middle school and my cousin is a successful runner at the University of South Carolina, so I decided to try out for cross country in the seventh grade. I made the varsity team my first year and immediately fell in love with the sport.  During my seventh grade year, I had a very successful season and ended up making All-State.  After that, I knew that running was the sport for me.  I started running track in eighth grade.

Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
No, I do not.

How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain. 

Over the last six years, the sport has definitely become more competitive and there are a lot more teams and runners participating.

What was your motivation for your final XC season? 
After winning an individual and team state championship last year when St. Joseph's was in Class A, my motivation was definitely to win another State championship as an individual and as a team, especially since we moved up to Class AA this year.  I also wanted to break the 16 minute barrier and earn the opportunity to run in college.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why? 
It would be to cure cancer because of the impact it has had on people close to me and people all around the world.