Loss inspires runner to continue to work hard

Senior+Danny+McComb+ran+at+sectionals+on+Oct.+29.+

Photo by Hector Cervantes

Senior Danny McComb ran at sectionals on Oct. 29.

By Mayeli Vivaldo, Editor in Chief

It all comes down to a fraction of a second.

Unfortunately, that fraction of a second cost senior Daniel McComb a spot in state.

McComb ran a 15.57.21 race, but missed the spot by only 0.8 of a second.  

“It felt really amazing, actually, because I’ve wanted this since my freshman year of cross country. A lot of people believed in me and I did too, but when I gave it my best, I didn’t make it. It was disappointing without a doubt, but it’s inspired me to try harder in track. Sometimes these things happen,” McComb said.

McComb was the only runner representing the cross country team at Stuart Sports Complex sectionals on Oct. 29.

“Personally, I was really nervous. It was pretty scary at times. I had to keep a cool attitude about it and it wasn’t easy, but I was happy to do it. I was glad to represent my team. I felt very proud and like I was being a good example, a good role model, and personally, I found that very rewarding,” McComb said.

McComb did not allow the loss to bring him down.

“I don’t like to see my failures as an end to everything. I like to see it as a way to do better later on in life because that’s how you should look at things. I have to keep a positive attitude no matter what happens. You can’t control everything that happens to you. Even failing something like this, it’s going to help me learn, especially in making me stronger as a person,” McComb said.

McComb appreciated the team’s support.

“All the way to the last race of sectionals, my teammates believed in me the entire way. Their support was the main reason why I was able to run the way I did at sectionals. They were there to comfort me when I didn’t make it. They were so proud of me. It’s just such a close group,” McComb said.

Sectionals marked the end of the fall cross country season.

“The whole team did phenomenal. So many people dropped their times. A lot of their times plummeted. It was amazing. They worked so hard and ran some great races. Everyone did great this season,” McComb said.

McComb hopes more students will join cross country in the upcoming seasons.

“You get more confidence from all the work you put in it. It’s an individual sport. It’s up to you if you want that personal best, but there’s always that team component to it where you support each other and cheer each other on and in that way it makes it’s very comfortable and fun,” McComb said.