Megan McDaniel talks top finishes and CCAA competition
Megan McDaniel has been the Pioneers' top finisher in each of their first two races this season.
- September 24, 2010
Megan McDaniel is a sophomore on the Cal State East Bay women's cross country team. Megan has been the Pioneers' top finisher in both races the team has competed in so far this season, taking fourth at both the Battle of the Bay in Belmont and the Cal State Stanislaus Invitational in Turlock.
Before the Pioneers departed for the Westmont Invitational in Santa Barbara, Megan took time out to talk to Pioneer Athletics about her performance thus far and the 2010 team.
Pioneer Athletics: How do you feel about your performance in the first two races?
Megan McDaniel: I've been consistent in my two outings. I want to hold this consistency until the CCAA Championships.
PA: Last year, you had an eighth place finish at the Westmont Invitational. How do you expect to do at the event this weekend?
MM: I would like to finish in the top three. There won't be as many runners as my two previous races. It will be a good race. The course is tough with hills, grass, pavement and sidewalks.
PA: How have you recovered from the stress fracture you suffered during the 2009 season?
MM: I feel good. Over the summer I was averaging 75-90 miles aweek. My two-a-day workouts included running hills and training over some tough courses.
PA: As a member of both the cross country and track teams at Cal State East Bay, which do you prefer?
MM: I love cross country. I started competing in cross country when I was eight years old. I just run track to keep in shape.
PA: You say that you model yourself after Oregon cross country All-American Jordan Hasay. Why her?
MM: Jordan is a consistent runner. She has the ability to comeback with a good season and is a great hill runner.
PA: How do you feel the team will do this season?
MM: We have a really good team. I feel that we are better than last year. Our top three girls are consistent and the other runners on the team are catching up to them. We'll have a good season.
PA: What goals has the team made going in to the second year of CCAA competition?
MM: The big thing is not to be afraid of the competition. Our team is more competitive and can pull together to achieve a mid-pack finish in the CCAA.
McDaniel and the rest of the Pioneer cross country team will be back in action this weekend, following a two-week break from competition. The Pioneers travel south to the 30th annual Westmont Invitational held on the Westmont College campus in Santa Barbara on Saturday morning.