Meet Rebeca Donoghue, the dedicated and passionate coach of the State College High School boys' cross-country team. With a strong belief in her athletes, she has guided them through the ups and downs of the season, teaching them the values of hard work and consistency. Under her coaching, the team recently won the state championship in early November, a title they hadn't won in nearly 40 years, the last title being captured in 1986. Coach Donoghue's unique ability to motivate and connect with her runners has not only strengthened their performance but also created a strong team culture. Here are some questions I asked her and her responses.

Q: Have you ever won a state championship with this team before?

A: No.

Q: When was the last time the State College High School boys team won a state championship?

A: 1986 (38 years ago).

Q: Did you think that this was possible at the beginning  of the year?

A: Yes, I had a feeling with this team.  They were determined after finishing 3rd place in 2023. 

Q: What were you feeling at the beginning of the playoffs? 

A: I felt that they could make it happen as long as they kept following the same mindset; get out fast and be confident.   I felt that anything could happen.

Q: How did you feel after?

A: A surreal feeling.  After so many years… the team had been going for it for a long time, and they had worked harder than any other team I’ve coached.

Q: What did you guys do to celebrate the championship?

A: We had a police escort greet us in Boalsburg. We met the police department and got to ride in a firetruck.

Q: What challenges did the team face this season, and how did they overcome them?

A: SICKNESS! “There are a lot of flu and colds going around. Also some kids lost focus.

Q: Reflecting on the season, what lessons have your players learned?

A: They learned how important it is to work hard and be consistent.

 

Q: Were there any specific runners who stepped up in crucial moments, and how did their performances impact the team's success?

A: “Luke Bradbury had a breakthrough season and then a breakthrough state meet.

Q: How did you keep the team motivated throughout the season, especially during tough times?

A: I reminded them of last year's 3rd place and kept motivating them to keep pushing through the tough times.

Q: Can you describe the journey of the season? What were the key moments 

that led to this victory?

A: Districts:  They had one of the fastest district meets and won the Mid-Penn title. 

Q: Do you have anything else you want to share?

A: One thing that helped them is that most of them were pretty close and   understood the value of that.