A famous American entrepreneur, Jim Rohn, once said, “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.”

This is exactly the case for senior cross country runner Joey McDonnell.

McDonnell has been running since he was in eighth grade, and to say he’s blossomed into one of Susquehannock’s finest runners would be an understatement. Through his years in the sport, he was more of the average joe, but it was not until last season when things just all seemed to click… like some sort of spark just rose inside of him.

“… last year in the middle of the season he made this incredible leap from being average to being very, very, very, good,” said Coach Steve Stough in a November 4th interview about McDonnell.

Due to his successes this season, we had to know his strengths and weaknesses. So what exactly makes Joey McDonnell the runner he is?

“Hills are my biggest weakness, I just don’t like them… my strength would be just being a good team member. Supporting my other teammates and just being team player,” said McDonnell.

Because of his medalled performance at districts, he has advanced to states which will be held in Hershey this Saturday. Qualifying for states has always been a goal of McDonnell’s, and now the honor is standing right in front of him. On a final stage like this, one’s emotions can get the best of them because the bar is set so high, and the fear and nerves of not performing well kick in for some runners.

“Yeah, I’m super nervous, but I’m feeling good, feeling right. I just plan on going out with the runners that will be placing higher, and just try and pace off them… my goal is to place in the top 25,” expressed McDonnell.

Medalling at states or not medalling at states, McDonnell’s career is still stellar. No matter what the future brings for him, the mark he’s left on the cross country team is something that will never fade away.