‘He’s going to be a great fit.’ Merced cross country star makes his college choice
Merced High senior Cole McKain instantly hit it off with his future teammates during his visit to Cal State East Bay.
Forming that connection was a big reason the Bears cross country star eventually decided that’s where he wanted to compete in college. On Thursday, McKain signed his national letter of intent in front of family, friends, teammates and coaches at Merced High.
“That’s kind of one of the biggest parts for me,” McKain said. “That’s where I’m going to spend my next four years. It was important for me to have a connection with the guys. I felt like we could be friends right away.”
It also wasn’t the only reason.
McKain likes the potential for the Pioneers’ program.
“They’re looking to compete at the national level,” McKain said. “Wtih me and a few of the other guys coming in they are pushing to compete at the national level. Time wise, they have a lot of guys who are around the same speed as me and I think that’s going to help me improve.”
McKain had a decorated high school career at Merced High.
He capped his senior season by setting a school record with a seventh place finish at the CIF State Meet, crossing the finish line in 15 minutes, 35.6 seconds.
His mark was the fastest time by a Merced High runner at the state meet.
McKain was named the Sun-Star Cross Country Athlete of the Year the last 3 years and won the Sac-Joaquin Sub-Section and Masters Championships meet this year.
“(Cal State East Bay) is getting a kid who loves to run and works hard,” said Merced coach Tim Hagerman. “I think he has the right personality and the right work ethic. He also does great in school. He’s going to be a great fit.”
McKain has compiled a 3.75 GPA during high school and plans to major in business information technology.
McKain said during his visit to the Hayward campus he went on a long run with current athletes on the team and he was able to see some of the areas he could train.
He said it meant a lot to him to be able to celebrate his signing day with family and friends.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but it was definitely the best it could have been,” McKain said about his signing day. “I like how everyone was there and they were there for me. For me it felt special.”
