David McKannan
Class of 2007
Distance running found David McKannan early—and he ran with purpose for the rest of his life. Born in West Chester, Pa., he moved to Huntsville in 1960, started at Mountain Gap, and joined Grissom when the school first opened. As a senior he helped the Tigers win the 1972 state cross-country title, then swept the 1973 4A two-mile indoors and outdoors—both in record time. His outdoor mark still stands.
At Auburn, McKannan became All-SEC in indoor, outdoor, and cross country, captaining both squads. After graduation he continued to compete, earning TFA/USA All-American honors at 10,000 meters. He credits God for his gifts and singles out five people: friend and teammate Hal Cooper, who first inspired him to run; coach John Meals, who taught that endurance has no ceiling; teammate Steve Bolt, who pushed and pulled him daily; and his parents, Gene and Carolyn, who drove him across the South and Midwest to find the best competition—while raising four other children.
Years later, McKannan faced a different race. Diagnosed with a form of ALS in 2008, he became an advocate for patients and research, showing the same steadiness he once brought to the last mile. He and his wife, Maureen—an athletic director and head volleyball coach—turned hardship into service, raising awareness, supporting others, and planning for his body to be studied at Emory to advance ALS research. When he passed at 57, tributes poured in—from Catholic High volleyball players who raised funds in his honor to former teammates who remembered his grit and grace.
David is survived by Maureen; his mother, Carolyn; children Ryan and Jennifer; siblings Gina, Debra, Jon, and Mike; stepchildren Kenny and Kayla Spencer; and granddaughter Kinsley. Hebrews 12:1 guided him: “Run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” He did—on tracks, on roads, and in life.
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