LINK: Senior Sendoff Submission Survey
In this edition of Milesplit Mississippi's Senior Sendoff, we turn our spotlight to Gabe McElwain, a standout graduate from Walnut High School. McElwain will be staying close to home, as he embarks on his academic and athletic journey at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.
Come fall, McElwain will be lacing up his spikes for the Cross Country team at Mississippi College. With a solid foundation in cross country, he will then shift his focus to the longer distance events in track and field, including the 3,000m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events.
Majoring in Business Finance, McElwain will gain valuable knowledge in the field that focuses on the management of financial resources within an organization. A Business Finance major equips students with skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk assessment, and decision-making. Graduates often find themselves pursuing careers in banking, corporate finance, financial planning, investment management, and more.
McElwain has left an indelible mark on Mississippi high school athletics with his exceptional performances. A two-time MHSAA 2A Champion in Cross Country and a four-time MHSAA 2A Champion in Track and Field, his achievements speak volumes. He holds impressive lifetime bests of 4:27 in the 1600m, 9:39 in the 3200m, and an astonishing 15:30 in the 5K cross country race, making him the fastest performer of the Mississippi Cross Country season.
Notably, McElwain claimed the coveted Watson title at the 2022 Watson Cross Country Classic, showcasing his exceptional abilities. His victories extend beyond that event, as he emerged victorious in numerous other races throughout his high school career. Furthermore, he finished as the runner-up at the 2022 All-Mississippi Cross Country Championships, solidifying his position among the state's elite distance runners.
According to Milesplit Mississippi records, McElwain holds the distinction of being the fastest-ever performer in the MHSAA 2A category in the 1600m, 3200m, and 5K cross country events. His remarkable accomplishments have caught the attention of Mississippi College's men's team, which recently achieved a commendable 12th-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.
As Gabe McElwain joins the Choctaw program, he is poised to make a significant impact. Alongside fellow Mississippians such as Christian Balcer, Brock Kelly, Cooper Parmer, and many others, McElwain will undoubtedly contribute to the team's continued success.
Congratulations to Gabe McElwain on his outstanding high school career, and best of luck as he continues his academic pursuits and athletic endeavors at Mississippi College. The future is bright for this talented distance runner, and we eagerly await his future achievements as a valued member of the Choctaws.
**Interview below!**
Q: Explain your 'Track and Field journey'... (How did you get into running, how did your senior season go, and how did you get connected with the college that you are going to?)
A: I got into running because my brother was on the xc team and I decided I wanted to run too and beat him. That first year I ran for walnut I became their top runner and broke the school record. My senior season was pretty good I met my goal of running sub 16 and running sub 4:30 and I committed to run which was a dream come true for me. I got connected with Mississippi college through my friendships I had created with some of the member of the team and some of the coaches too.
Q: What is your most memorable meet/race and why?
A: My most memorable meet was definitely The Watson Classic this year. My reason for it being the most memorable to me was going into it I had no expectation to win. I was just out there to run, have fun and push myself and not only try to better myself but to better other by pushing them too.
Q: Out of all your high school achievements, which one means the most to you and why?
A: The highschool achievement that means the most to me is probably being the first ever MHSAA 2A boy to run under the 4:30 mark. When I found out I was the first to ever do that I was so shocked because my name will go in the record books now.
Q: If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?
A: If I could go back and change anything I think I would go back and change anything I would tell myself it's not always about time and that I should just have fun with it and enjoy time with all the teammates I had over the years and that my time would come.
Q: Who is somebody that you look up to/someone that helped you along your journey to get you where you are today?
A: Someone I look up to that helped me along my journey is one of my future teammates Brock Kelly any time I had a question about running or something that I couldn't figure out I could ask Brock and he would help me
Q: What will you miss the most?
A:I think the thing I'll miss the most is my highschool teammates they became like a second family to me I don't know what I would've done without them.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to the younger athletes that are just getting started on their journey?
A: My price of advice I give to you younger athletes is to not stress so much about times enjoy this sport it's so fun. The atmosphere of cross country and track is like no other once you see that you'll start performing and having the best times.