Rebecca Mack McGraw
Category
2023About This Inductee
Becky’s running career started in 1992 although G.A.R. did not have a girl’s junior high cross country or track team. In 7th grade, she became the PIAA District II gold medalist in the 3200m. Before moving to varsity, Becky helped the newly revived girls’ team win the 1993 District II Track & Field Championship by repeating as a 3200m gold medalist and winning the 1600m (with new district records). Her track success continued as she garnered an additional 7 District II titles (800m/1600m/3200m) and two silvers between her freshman and senior years.
Off the track, Becky earned District titles in Cross Country three times. In 1995, she became the first G.A.R. female athlete to win a state championship and one of the only PIAA athletes to win the 800m, 1600m and XC titles within one year. Over the years, Becky broke several XC course records and her 1996 800m District II record time of 2:16.04 still stands today. Other honors include: 1996 American Track & Field Magazine Pre-Season All-American, Wyoming Valley Striders/Citizens’ Voice All Star Team (1994-1997), and Times Leader XC & Track MVP. She was a member of the Wyoming Valley Striders, ran numerous area road races and competed with NEPA Thunder XC/Track at the national level.
Becky’s journey continued at NCAA Division I University of Maryland on a near full athletic scholarship. As a Terrapin, she was a finalist in the 800m and a member of the 3rd place distance medley relay at the ACC Indoor Championships. As a sophomore, she recorded the team’s top time in the 800m and the 1000m. During her junior year, she was a member of the distance medley relay which placed 6th at the ACC Indoor Championships.
Today, Becky continues to be active in the running community. She has qualified for and finished the Boston Marathon twice as well as completed several ultra-marathons. She is an active member of Shenandoah Valley Runners where she was awarded the Ray Gordon Spirit of Running Award in 2019. Currently, Becky shares her passion of running as an Assistant XC and middle-distance coach at Sherando HS (VA) where her 17-year-old son Dylan is a student-athlete.
Becky credits much of her success to the support from her mom and dad and strives to provide the same level of encouragement to her son as he chases his own running goals.