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Although his senior season of volleyball ended with a five-game loss in the district semifinals to Hempfield, Central York's David McGee graduated with plenty of good memories.
The Daily Record/Sunday News Boys' Volleyball Player of the Year was a force for the Panthers. The senior outside hitter and primary passer had 365 kills, accounting for 27 percent of his team's offense. He had a .335 attack percentage as an outside- and back-row attacker. Also, he had 34 digs and 301/2 blocks.
The statistics go on for McGee, but his presence on a Panthers team that finished second in the YAIAA may have been immeasurable.
While on his family's trip to Italy after graduation, McGee took some time out to answer a few questions. Here's what he had to say:
When did you first get into volleyball and how?
I first became interested in volleyball at the beginning of my freshman year. My family is very good friends with the Tyger family, and I remember Drew Tyger (Ian Tyger's brother), a former Northeastern player, as the person who got me interested in the sport when we were on one of our many family vacations with the Tygers.
If your sport wasn't offered, what other spring sport would you play?
I would have loved to have played tennis. It's a shame that both volleyball and tennis are spring sports!
Which would you compete on: "American Idol" or "Dancing With the Stars?"
Although
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I can't think of anything that would be more exhilarating than flying, so that would be my superpower of choice.
What three items must you have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
A knife, matches, and some food.
Did you have a nickname growing up? If so, how'd you get it?
I've been called McGoo on my sports teams throughout middle school and high school, which comes from my last name.
What's your most favorite and least favorite drill your coach conducts in practice?
I always loved when the coaches would have teammates hold shovels over the net to replicate the block and have the hitters create shots around the shovels. I found it to be the most beneficial drill to my development as an attacker. And since I'm actually in pretty poor cardiovascular shape, I've always disliked any drill that involves running. In fact, I hate cardio in general.
Who's the toughest opponent you faced this season? Or ever?
Hempfield, Northeastern, and Cumberland Valley have always been tough opponents.
What's your favorite high school memory?
Playing in the state finals.
What's your least favorite high school memory?
Losing in the state finals. It's still difficult for me to think about.
What is your favorite subject in school?
It's tough for me to decide; I really enjoy learning in general. However, biology and Spanish are probably my two favorite subjects.
Do you have a part-time job and, if so, what is it?
I work for the York County Parks Department, mostly renting boats at Lake Redman and occasionally doing maintenance. I work outside and enjoy what I do for the most part, so I really couldn't ask for a better summer job.
What sport are you the absolute worst at?
Although I haven't played on a team since I was very young, I can say safely say that I'm a horrible soccer player.
Is there any advice you've ever received that really stuck with you?
Live and let live.
What's in your iPod or CD player?
Metal, jazz, classical, rap, pop, and a bit of bluegrass. Many people don't know that I play guitar and have a passion for music, much moreso than for volleyball and other sports.
What's the most interesting vacation you've ever taken? Is this it?
As I sit in this hotel lobby in Siena and answer these questions, I can without a doubt say that my Italy vacation is the most interesting one I have ever been on. I've realized that no matter how much you learn or hear about a foreign country, you can't truly appreciate it until you travel there and experience it first-hand.
Is this trip to Italy the farthest distance you've ever been away from home?
Yes.
Name one place you'd love to go during your lifetime.
Everywhere!
How long have you had this trip to Italy planned? How is it going?
My family has been talking about this trip for a few years since my brother has spent quite some time here to study. We finally decided that it would be a good family trip after I graduated. So far, it has been one of the best experiences that I've ever had.
Finally, if you drive, what kind of car did you envision being your first and what did you end up driving?
I envisioned my first car to be a pretty average car with a lot of miles. And seeing as I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee that almost now has 180,000 miles on it, that's exactly what I got!
mgoul@ydr.com
