Emme McAtee is a junior at Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville. She was a Class AAA First Team All-State Runner last season. She was runner-up at the Region 3 Championship. During her sophomore track season last spring McAtee finished third in the Class 3200m Run at the KHSAA State Track Meet.
Personal Best:
1600m: 5:29.53
3200m: 11:37.58
5000m: 19:10.03
KYtrackXC.com: Goals for 2007 XC Season
EM: My goal this year is to improve both physically and mentally as a runner. My top priority, however, is to being glory to Christ by using the talents he has given me.
KYtrackXC.com: Favorite Race
EM: My favorite race was The 2006 Regional Meet at Tom Sawyer Park. I felt really strong throughout the whole race and I finished with a personal record time. I got 2nd in the race, and the first place girl was Sara Turi, one of my favorite people in the whole world! She is such a role model for me not only as a runner but as an amazing Christian friend.
KYtrackXC.com: Favorite Course
EM: I don't really have a favorite course, but I like to do anything new. I don't like to run the same course over and over again. I am always looking for new routes in my neighborhood I have never tried before. I really like to run on trails covered with trees an wildlife around me.
KYtrackXC.com: What got you started running?
EM: I started running in fourth grade when I went to go watch my sister's Middle School Cross Country meet in Berea. Her coach asked me if I would like to run, and I said, "Why not?" I finished the race in 5th place and second for the team! That is when I decided that God had given me a gift and I was going to use it.
KYtrackXC.com: How does it feel to be running at a school that has had a lot of success over the last decade?
EM: The success that Sacred Heart has had in the past years makes me want to work hard to maintain that reputation. Many great athletes have come through the school and I want them to continue to be proud of the school they come from.
KYtrackXC.com: Favorite Practice
EM: My favorite kind of practice is anytime that the girls and I can just get together and go. We just past the time talking about random things and laughing the whole way. Running with my teammates is what makes me love Cross Country so much. Without them, I would be lost!
KYtrackXC.com: What do you think you gained from this past track season that will help you during cross country?
EM: Through Track I have gained more confidence as a runner. I used to become extremely nervous before meets, but meets are so frequent during Track that I became more and more comfortable at every race. I have also developed more love for the sport of Cross Country. In Track, you get kind of tired of running around in circles, but in Cross Country, you never know what your going to do. The mystery is exciting!
KYtrackXC.com: Favorite thing to do when you are not running?
EM: When I am not running, I love to hang out with my family and friends. I love to be outside and experience God's beautiful creation. I also love to listen to music, take pictures, and play with my baby (my dog), Lola.
KYtrackXC.com: Anything you would like to add
EM: I owe all of my success and awards to Christ. Without Him, there would be no reason to run. He has blessed me in countless ways that I love to glorify Him with those blessings. He is my Savior and my everything!