McGee Races To A Winning Beat

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Tamara McGee’s Kapolei team-mates always know where to find her in the last moments before a race.

“I usually sit by myself and listen to my MP3 player,“said McGee, a standout for the Hurricanes’track team. “That’s how I get into my zone.”

They also have learned to allow her those minutes of solitude. Peak performance begins in one’s mind, after all. “I definitely think it does,” she said.

McGee’s quiet resolve and ultra-competitive mind-set combined with her natural ability make her one of the top track and field prospects in the state. A senior-tobe, she was the Oahu Interscholastic Association’s champion in the 200-meter dash this past spring - she finished second in the 100 in addition to figuring prominently on both the Hurricanes’ 4x400 and 4x100 relay teams.

She would likely have been a strong contender in both the 100 and 200 at the state meet, but she was forced to miss the event altogether because of a planned trip to Nebraska to visit family. The state meet had originally been scheduled a week earlier, but the date was later changed by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, and McGee was unable to change her travel arrangements, which had been set with the original date in mind.

“I came here to see my uncle graduate, so that was nice, but I was a little disappointed,” she said by phone from Nebraska.“Afterward, it really hit me, but I still have next year (to win a state title). It’s motivated me more for next year.”

Largely behind McGee’s individual exploits, the Hurricanes enjoyed a stellar spring season, finishing second in the OIA’s Western Division to longtime powerhouse Mililani and sixth in the OIA overall.

“She had an awesome year, and we’re looking for big things from her next year,” coach Gary Ellison said recently.“She’ll be working out during the summer. I think she has the ability to be ranked nationally.”

Kapolei was McGee’s third high school in as many years when she enrolled there in the fall of 2006.

During her sophomore year, McGee ran for Papillion Lavistya High School, just outside of Omaha, where she finished first in her class in both the 100 and 200 and second in the state overall. She had attended Robert E. Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, as a freshman, but was unable to compete in the Texas State Meet that year because of an eligibility issue.

Since relocating with her family to Hawaii, McGee has had an immediate impact on the Hurricanes. She used to split her time between track and basketball, but she gave up the latter to devote more time to running in hopes of landing a track scholarship. She is expected to return to Oahu this week, where she’ll begin preparations for next season. McGee has received a lot of letters from college recruiters and has been offered a full scholarship to the University of Lincoln, a Division II school in Lincoln, Nebraska. She’s also considering Baylor in Waco, Texas.

“I see myself working harder during the off-season this year,“she said. “Not being able to compete in the state meet my freshman year really pushed me to do better the next year. Competing is always fun, and this is my last year. It’s going to be my last chance to make things right.

“I love doing it. I have been in track since middle school (in Texas), and it grew on me.”

Despite her calm exterior, McGee admits she’s not without inner turmoil when a race is about to begin. “People assume (she’s calm), but I get nervous before every race. I’m nervous until it’s over,” she added with a laugh.“I hate that feeling (of nervousness). I just have to go (full speed).”

McGee credits much of her success to her family, which includes her mother Danita Baker, step-father Robert Baker, sisters Taylesha and Trinity, and brother Marcus.

“They’re really supportive - they’re always out at the track meets,” said McGee, who also shares a close relationship with her grandmother, Avery Roebuck.“My sister (Taylesha) is running track now, too, and she’s really good.”