The finish line is where Jacey McGee shines brightest. “Winning with a new PR and setting the new course record at Sequoyah ‘Lamont Frazier’ X-Country Meet,” she said, calling it her favorite memory so far in a Stilwell uniform. That breakthrough only fueled her desire to push even harder this season.
Her personal motivation is straightforward but lofty. “To All-State again,” McGee said. She knows the road to that accomplishment requires daily commitment and discipline, something she sees across her entire team. “We set goals, work hard, very disciplined and achieve the goals as a team.”
The hard work has been paying off already. “Cutting our times and getting better each race,” she said, noting the steady progress from meet to meet. The approach is consistent: “Get better each race and work harder in practice.”
For McGee, one of the team’s defining qualities is how connected they’ve become. “We’re more of a family environment where we all support and challenge each other,” she said. That bond allows her to step into a leadership role.
Every race comes with unique challenges, and McGee studies them closely. “The course layout and terrain of it,” she said of what she looks for before a run. Her preparation is rigorous. “Speed work, runs hills, long distance runs and day before rest, while getting in the mindset of challenging myself with a new PR.”
On race day, the mentality is simple but powerful. “’Let’s Go’—have a positive mind set and finish the race better than the last.”
She also hopes her effort has a lasting impact. “Being an inspiration to the future generations in our area,” McGee said of the legacy she wants to leave at Stilwell. Fans may not realize the grind behind the results. “Our hard workouts we do weekly, especially our intense hill workout that is half a mile up and half a mile down with four rounds.”
Her long-term goals are just as ambitious: “Attending college, pursuing a degree in sports medicine while furthering my running career and making it to Nationals.”
Achievements:
2024 Cross Country All-State
2025 Season Cross Country Meets –
Tahlequah 5K – 2nd Place – 20:10
Carl Albert 3200m – 1st Place – 12:31
Riverside 3200m – 1st Place – 13:46
Sequoyah 3200m – 1st Place – 12:18 – PR set the new course record
