Some run for the glory. Some run for the medals. Some run because their parents made them. Riley Mcinerney has a few of his own reasons that have helped him reach for cross country success on the national level.
Many runners start young and Mcinerney is no exception. The sport was an important part of his family even before he was born.
"I definitely have running in my genes," he said.
His mother held her high school's 880-meter record before that race was changed to the half mile. The other half of Riley's genes are even more impressive -- his father was a three-time NCAA All-American in track and cross country when he ran for Eastern Illinois University. Later, he coached EIU's cross country team for seven successful years and now volunteers as a coach. Looking back on his father's records is a source of inspiration for Mcinerney, who also wants to be an All-American when he reaches the college-level.
"His success has motivated me to be the best I can be," he said.
Mcinerney's dad instilled in him yet another source of inspiration: faith. Mcinerney Sr. is an advisor to EIU's Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Riley is active in his church's youth group.
"I've always had my dad as a Christian influence," he said. "One thing I think that a lot of people overlook is the level of confidence that a strong faith can give. Any race I go into, I am confident that I will do well, and if I don't do well, I still know that there are plenty of other races and that you can't win them all."
This attitude is bolstered by the fact that Mcinerney feels he is not alone in his faith. From Eric Liddell to Jim Ryun, many runners are influenced and inspired by their personal beliefs. Mcinerney finds fellowship on the track almost as much as in the church.
"I've met many other racers who share my faith in Jesus and those are the most positive athletes I've had the pleasure of meeting. They keep the sport friendly and lovable for everyone," he said.
The races themselves can also be good motivators, even if a win is not guaranteed. Mcinerney said he looks forward to every single race on the schedule this year.
"Over the years, I've gotten memories of each race, and so each race has a little sentimental value to me," he said.
The two that stick out most though are the Conference and State meets. The title of Conference Champion has always eluded Mcinerney, and he hopes that will change this year. It's his last chance and he believes that this year's team has what it takes to achieve what it couldn't before.
"All of our top five runners are returning and are working hard this summer. This helps because lots of our rival schools are losing multiple runners from their varsity teams," he said. "I think the experience that the Charleston team has will put us in a position to be one of the best teams in our area."
While things are looking up for the team as a whole, on the individual level the competition is still stiff. Last year's Illinois State Champion graduated, but the rest of the top six runners are returning this season, including Mcinerney, who got third place. He's got his eyes on that hotly contended-for prize, but he admits that it could be anybody's race.
"To beat any of the returning guys, I'm going to have to peak at the state meet like I did last year. I think that if I can do that, then my training will put me ahead of the other runners," he said.
Not only is the State meet a source of high caliber competition but for Mcinerney it also brings good memories to mind. That meet has provided him with some of his best running memories, particularly the first time he ran it.
"My race wasn't very impressive, but the atmosphere of the meet was astonishing," he said. "I remember standing at the start line looking at the spectators and other runners and being shocked. The state meet at Detweiler Park is unlike anything that any other sport has to offer. "
Faith, family, fellowship -- for some, the long list of reasons to run overwhelm any doubts they may have. For Riley Mcinerney, the doubts were never even a problem.
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