By Katie von Behren
Staff Writer
Risking it all as a sophomore, former hockey player senior Robert McMahon took a leap of faith and hung up his hockey skates to pursue his passion for track.
That sacrifice paid off for McMahon as he plans to continue running for the next four years on the Mississippi College track and field team.
“The best part about track for me is that you can gauge your improvements because it is based on your times,” McMahon said.
After not making the first track team try-out as a freshman, he made the team later in the year, but spent his first season injured. McMahon was finally given the opportunity to display his talent in hurdles starting sophomore year. He now trains for at least three hours a day, year round and leads the team as a senior captain.
“I love working with Robert. He is always focused when it comes time to practice or a meet which I really admire,” senior Juliana Loiola said. “He works extremely hard, staying after practice to work on his technique.”
McMahon was initially inspired to join track when he watched his older brother, Joe, run throughout high school.
“Robert is one of the most dedicated players I have worked with in a long time,” hurdles coach Kelvan Gamble said. “I am confident that he will excel and accomplish amazing things in track at college.”
At the start of his track career, McMahon helped Costa win Bay League on the frosh-soph team in 2012 and came in third place in Bay League for the 110 hurdles his sophomore year. McMahon plans to compete in CIF this season.
“Robert has an amazing work ethic. He truly puts his all into every aspect of our workouts, even the little things,” senior teammate PJ Onusconich said.
Other schools that expressed interest in McMahon included Azusa Pacific University, Biola University and Millsaps College, but McMahon committed to Mississippi College because of the scholarship and the school’s location. He plans on balancing the student-athlete life by being a part of the sports media and law program while remaining dedicated to running track.
“It is such a relief to finally be committed, especially knowing that now I can just focus on running,” McMahon said. “When season is over, I will prepare for college.”
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