October 20, 2022
McGinn Sacrifices Race Time to Help Fellow Competitor
By: Leila Todd (PACS junior)
Prince Avenue Christian School’s athletic rivalry with Athens Academy doesn’t get more competitive than in the week leading up to the annual backyard brawl football game between the two schools. Throughout the week, students at Prince anticipate the rivalry match-up by painting signs, preparing for the student section theme, and participating in a pep rally on the Friday morning of the game. Amid this year’s chaotic week, though, one PACS cross country runner humbled herself and helped an Athens Academy runner cross the finish line at their meet.
PACS senior Brittan McGinn has run cross country for four years. On Thursday, September 1st, the day before the rivalry football game, the PACS varsity cross country team competed alongside Athens Academy in a meet at North Oconee High School. According to Brittan, the Thursday afternoon meet was a big one, but after a false start, she dreaded the race.
The majority of the race went as usual for Brittan. As she neared the trail’s end, however, Athens Academy runner Louise Tilman tripped over a root on the ground and fell in front of Brittan. In a brief decision, Brittan bent down, picked Louise up by the elbow, and said, “Come on. Let’s finish this.” Brittan assisted Louise for a few minutes, and then they finished the race individually.
Afterward, Louise approached Brittan and thanked her for the help. She mentioned that despite the fact that it was the day before the Prince Avenue and Athens Academy football game, she wouldn’t have gotten up and finished the race without Brittan.
Despite deep rivalries and challenging circumstances, Brittan’s authentic, Christ-like character was portrayed when she stopped to help Louise. Her actions are an example of the kind of student Prince Avenue strives to foster by teaching Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. Brittan explains that when she saw Louise on the ground, she tried to see it from Louise’s perspective. “I put myself in her shoes and knew it would only take a few seconds to help and encourage her.”