TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the rest of the semester, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes involved in spring sports that had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's installment features PLU men's track & field student-athlete Christopher McGraw.

In his four years on the Lute track & field team, Christopher McGraw grew into a confident leader.
 

Hometown: Auburn, Wash.

Collegiate PRs: 60 Hurdles: 8.73 110 Hurdles: 15.16 400 Hurdles: 1:02.00

McGraw has been running track for the past decade, and even as a first year at PLU he was able to give pointers to his fellow hurdlers. As he matured as a member of the team, his leadership evolved and his teammates noticed. McGraw was voted to be a captain, and although the experience was cut short due to COVID-19, he believes he learned what it means to be a leader.
 
Through his athletic experience, McGraw also realized the importance of dedicating himself to achieve his goals.
 
"Something that athletics has shown me is that you can't do things half-way," McGraw said. "To be successful, you have to put in the effort."
 
McGraw's favorite memory from his time on the track and field team was the team's trip to San Diego in 2018. Besides the gorgeous weather and proximity to the ocean, McGraw enjoyed exploring the city with his team and having the opportunity to spend time with his teammates off the track.
 
On the track, McGraw finished third at the Northwest Conference Championships in the 110-meter hurdles last season and was fifth at the NWC meet in the event as a freshman in 2017. Last year he was named United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-West Region during the outdoor season in the 110-meter hurdles and earned USTFCCCCA All-West Region this winter in the 60-meter hurdles after clocking the program's fastest time in the event since the Lutes joined NCAA Division III. The Auburn, Washington native additionally collected his first ever collegiate victory in the outdoor season opener on March 7 at the University of Puget Sound's Ed Boitano Invitational.
 
As McGraw looked towards graduation, he reflected on how his track and field experience changed him as a person.
 
"I feel like I've really grown as a person," McGraw said. "I've learned more about who I am and have received so much support from my teammates and coaches that I can't even begin to express my gratitude."
 
McGraw will be graduating with a degree in Applied Physics and a minor Math. While at PLU, McGraw had the opportunity to TA a physics lab. He enjoyed helping others gain an understanding of physics and the universe.
 
"Chris has grown tremendously as an athlete and leader during his time at PLU," said Head Coach Adam Frye. "As his hurdler coach, it's been really special to see his development. He had a breakout meet last year at conference, running two PRs and earning All-Conference honors in the 110m hurdles. Chris was off to a terrific start in 2020 and it's unfortunate we won't get to see the full results of his hard work. He definitely grew as a leader within our team as well, being selected as a team captain for this year. We'll miss his leadership and dedication to being the best hurdler he can be."
 
Next fall, McGraw plans to get his master's degree in Optical Engineering at the University of Oregon.