Coaches Q&A with Ryan McClay of St. Pius

Mar 21, 2018

When did you first become interested in Track and Field?

I was a soccer player turned xc runner turned track runner. Fortunately, our soccer team was terrible in high school so it was easy to make the choice to run track my junior year. The more and more track meets I watch, the more I fall in love with the sport.

Did you ever compete in Track scholastically, and if so where?

I ran track at Dacula High school and Berry College.

What are your favorite memories from competing in Track and did you win any honors?

I have tons of great memories from meets in both high school and college. I was 3rd at state in the 800 my senior year of high school and qualified for nationals in the steeplechase my junior year of college.

When did you decide to be a Track and Field coach?

I was late to the game. I sort of fell into teaching and coaching, but now I love it. As for head track coach, that was sort of forced on me, but I'm glad it was!

Tell me everywhere you have coached and for how long?

I've basically been at Pius for my entire career of 9 years.

Who has been your most profound influence in shaping your mindset and program?

Absolutely Andy Christie, my coach at Dacula. He continues to mentor me to this day.

Have you coached any other Sports besides Track?

Cross country.

If possible, what has been your best moment/memory as a Coach?

We've had alot of great moments at Pius over the years, but probably the best moment was in 2014 when our girls team finished state runner up. They were projected to get 4th or 5th, but all of them fought for every single point and got 2nd. We had 12 athletes score points in 10 different events. It was such a fun team effort that weekend.

What are your favorite events to coach?

I'm a distance coach so I love coaching the 3200. But my favorite events to watch are often the field events, especially when we've got a great competition going in an event like the pole vault or triple jump.

Do you have any specific Goals for your team this Outdoor season?

The goal is always to do our best at the region and state meets. This year we think we have two very strong teams that are ready to compete well at both meets.

How much has Track changed since the advent of GATFXC.com and now MileSplit GA?

I wouldn't know, the website existed already when I started.

What changes would you like to be made in the future for Georgia HS Track and Field?

Fewer classifications, state meet all in one location, add 4x800 and/or 4x200 but limit one relay per school, and follow NFHS competition rules of allowing athletes in 4 events maximum but any combo of events.

If you could turn the clock back, would you do anything differently?

Not really, it's been a fun journey, and every year the kids and coaches I get to work with make it fun.