Gloucester Alumni

By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

One of the most essential skills that a student-athlete must possess is the ability to balance their school work and athletics. Gloucester Girls Cross Country Captain Avery McNiff has to balance all of that and a lot more.he senior has homework and practice just like all other student-athletes. But McNiff is also the President of the class of 2008 and the Secretary of the National Honor Society.

McNiff admits that balancing all four tasks can be tough, but she has no regrets.

"It's really tough to balance all of the work sometimes," McNiff said. "I have a lot of meetings and I have to rush around a lot, but I get it done." McNiff also believes that being involved in a lot of school activities, and routinely working hard academically, helps out her running a great deal.

"My work ethic and discipline from school carries over to my running," McNiff said. "I work hard and give my all in everything that I do."

It's that type of work ethic that has made McNiff the No. 1 runner for the Gloucester girls cross country team, and also one of the top runners in the Northeastern Conference.

"Avery is a very talented runner," Gloucester girls cross country coach J.D. MacEachern said. "She is one of the strongest runners I have coached."

McNiff's talent can be seen through the multiple Gloucester High School records that she holds in both cross country and track. She holds the girls cross country course record at Ravenswood Park in Gloucester, as well as the 1,000 meter, one mile and two mile records. Perhaps her greatest strength as a runner is her versatility. Her ability to run effectively at many different distances has impressed MacEachern.

"Avery's strength and versatility is great," MacEachern said. "She ranks up there with anybody from a half-mile up to cross country distance."

McNiff also possesses great leadership skills to go along with her physical talent. An attribute that she takes a lot of pride in. "I really like being a leader and helping the team," McNiff said. "I always try to set an example for the younger runners."

With this being her final year running for the Fishermen, McNiff wants to end her career on a positive note. Thus, she has set some lofty goals for herself.

"I haven't done well in the Class B state race in the past, so I am looking to be successful there," McNiff said. "I also want to qualify for the All-State race."

McNiff believes that she can accomplish her goals because of her new found appreciation for running.

"I have really started to love running and it has made it much easier for me to train," McNiff said. "It has made me very disciplined and motivated."

Through all of her success, McNiff stays humble and gives credit to her coaches.

"Coach MacEachern and coach (Dave) Dunsky have really helped make me successful," McNiff said. "It's amazing that they care about their team so much both on and off the track."

AVERY MCNIFF'S RESUME

Holds girls cross country record at Ravenswood Park in Gloucester

Holds Gloucester girls track records in 1000, one mile and two mile

President of the Class of 2008

Secretary of National Honor Society