Race Stories: Jack Macauley

Although the North Penn squad didn't make a return to states to defend their title, Jack Macauley made sure the state of PA did not forget that the school still knew how to train to peak well and dominate the Hershey course. Macauley dominated the middle part of the hilly course, working up to 2nd place at his peak and finishing in an impressive 6th place. The 9:15 two miler, track stand out, proved he is also a force on the hills.  

The North Penn squad puts a big emphasis on the hills, running hills throughout the summer and regular season on a weekly basis. Those workouts built up the strength Macauley need for states. Couple that with some 1k workouts out that build up his confidence, and the man is ready for a great postseason race. 

Macauley proved he was a gutsy runner on race day. After Abert took the race out, Macauley charged to the front of the pack and started to help push the pace to go after him. "Since it was my last race I didn't want to have any regrets and obviously wanted to do anything I could to win." On the hills Macauley really began to push, knowing that it would take a fast pace and big moves on the hills to ensure his victory. His quest for glory may have cost him a bit after that point, but he still put on a great kick at the finish to break away from a lot of the pack he was with and take down a 6th place finish. It was his highest finish at the state meet, and North Penn's highest finish since Brad Miles won the championship. Jack summed it up by saying this: Starting off I had the goal of winning states, as did many others. Even though this did not happen (shoutout to Tony for killing it this year) I am still happy with my finish at the state meet knowing that I put myself in the right position by the two mile and didn't let anyone else control my race.

What makes Macauley's feat more impressive is the fact that he has to dual with state caliber guys week after week in dual meets. Throughout the year Macauley battle guys like Chris Berry, Alec Brand, Jake Brophy and Conner Quinn, all top 30 caliber guys in the state at different points in the season. However, Macauley still enjoys racing the D1 guys and getting great competition and gaining great friendships.