Cross Country Hall of Fame

As a coach at East Peoria High School, McGraw nurtured some of the biggest distance stars to come out of the Peoria area. Most notable was Tim Broe, who McGraw coaxed out of the hallways and onto the track, launching a career that culminated in the 5000-meter finals at the 2004 Olympics. McGraw also coached Jenelle Deatherage, who placed fourth in the 2004 USA Olympic Trials at 1500 meters. McGraw’s East Peoria cross country teams won nine conference titles, seven regional titles, and eight qualified for state. He coached six all-state runners, including Broe and Deatherage, who between them won three individual state championships in cross country and three more in track. Beyond coaching, McGraw worked to build running in the community. He partnered with Hall of Famer Steve Shostrom in the early 1970s to found the Illinois Valley Striders club and to begin the annual Steamboat Classic, which drew international champions to its field and became known as the fastest four-mile road race in the world.