MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
It's More Than A Run
10. 08. 2009
The Gordon College Athletic Department files eligibility each year with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). As Highlander Athletic Director Todd Davis was checking the final details on the men’s cross country team, a piece of information on the form caught his attention. One of the student-athletes planning to participate had attended the Georgia Academy of the Blind.
Davis was familiar with working out with blind athletes in high school. As a wrestler at Muskogee (OK), he frequently practiced with the Oklahoma School of the Blind team. The state school was located in the same town and within a few miles of the training facility. “I learned early on their wrestlers were extremely determined, never complained, and very competitive,” said Davis. “I always had the utmost respect for their team.” However, he was not sure how it would work in the sport of cross country and for newcomer Robert McKay. What Davis didn’t know were the obstacles he had already overcome early in life. Born two months premature, McKay required numerous surgeries as a baby. The biggest operation would come at the age of two when doctors did a lengthy procedure to provide more room for fluid on his brain. Even though it was considered a life-saving operation, it also came with a price. McKay would lose his eye sight and soon found the world around him completely dark. As time progressed, he slowly began to see light and was even able to identify color. By kindergarten, Robert had learned the Braille alphabet and was proficient with this form of communication by the fifth grade. McKay enjoyed school but soon channeled his competitive spirit into athletics. Wrestling provided him with just the right opportunity to compete and be a part of a team. While he performed well on the wrestling mat, he wanted to find a way to stay in shape after the season was over. McKay began track but was not fond of nor interested in any long distance events. By his freshman year, he took part in longer runs and cross country appeared to be an option. Lack of sight was not a hindrance on the paths for McKay. Ironically, his father became one of his early guides. After heart surgery, Bob McKay also needed exercise and would run several miles with Robert. His son’s passion for running grew and McKay joined the cross country team at Oglethorpe County (GA) High School where his teammates became his running partners. With the goal of achieving a higher education, McKay chose to attend Gordon College in Barnesville. On campus, he returned to his roots and would run daily. Encouraged by another student, McKay checked into joining the intercollegiate cross country team. He was immediately given an opportunity to run by Highlander Head Coach John Campbell and soon found acceptance with other team members. With the help of a guide, McKay can now be found on any given fall Saturday morning competing at a cross country meet in the midst of a sea of runners. His goals are simple! “I’m always going to finish the race, no matter what the circumstances are for me,” said McKay. “Besides finishing, I still want to improve on my time and remain a part of the five-man team at Gordon.” His competitive nature and his past experiences have inspired him to become a History teacher and coach. One might think the challenges he faced would have discouraged him or made him resentful. For McKay, it was just the opposite! He believes he is stronger because of his background and extremely thankful for what he has been given. “I’m thankful for my family, the sight that I do have, the ability to run and hopefully a positive outlook I can share with others,” said McKay. He also appreciates the opportunity to run at Gordon College. “Collegiate programs are so focused on winning and I understand that part of athletics. However, I’m not sure I would have received the chance to run at a larger school. Winning would be great but there’s always something to be said for finishing,” stated McKay.