Always more. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The faster you run, the faster you’re done. These maxims are what push Susan McGaughey towards the finish line.

McGaughey is a senior at Sandy High School and a proud member of both the varsity cross country and track teams. McGaughey has etched her name into the annals of SHS’ athletic history. She currently holds the coveted title of the fastest female runner on the cross country team and stands at an impressive eighth place in the competitive Mt. Hood Conference, boasting a season record of 20:33 for her 5k time.

Throughout her years in high school, McGaughey has made strides in her running career. She placed sixth at the Mt. Hood Conference district meet last year, and proceeded to the state competition. This season, she placed first at the Mt. Hood Conference district opener as well as the conference midseason meet.
Her success certainly hasn’t been easy, and McGaughey credits her team with inspiring her to work harder. “The team is really nice. It’s a really good environment and the girls are competitive this year. As a team, we have a really good shot of going to state together, which would be the first time in a long time,” she said.
Cross country and track are individual sports just as much as they are team sports though, and McGaughey has a toolbox of vigor-inspiring strategies at her disposal.

“The saying, ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’ is what I tell myself. And if I’m comfortable with my pace, I know that I should probably go faster,” she said.

With her senior cross country season coming to a close, McGaughey has felt the pressure of needing to pick a path for her future. “I’ve been talking to a few colleges. I’m not set on it, but I’m definitely interested in pursuing [running in college],” she said.

With potential collegiate athletics, state championships looming on the horizon, and the upcoming Mt. Hood Conference districts, Susan McGaughey's plate is full. She stands at a crossroads, with a wealth of opportunities at her disposal to define her future. In the world of running, she's already proven herself as a force to be reckoned with, and it's clear that the path ahead is paved with even greater achievements.