Terry McGinn
Men's Cross Country / Wrestling (1970-1972)
Waubonsee Athlete of the Year in 1972
Inducted into the Hall of Fame of Outstanding College Athletes of America
Finished sophomore wrestling regular season undefeated, unscired upon and second in the nation
Went to Nationals in Cross Country in 1971 and was part of 1970 Skyway Conference Co-Champions
Terry McGinn initially didn’t think that a college education was in his future. An outstanding runner and wrestler at West Aurora High School, McGinn planned to go into the trades after high school. However, Waubonsee Community College was in the process of forming its first cross country and wrestling teams in 1970, and McGinn saw a way to continue his passion for athletics while getting an education.
In 1970, Waubonsee’s brand new cross country and wrestling teams both benefited tremendously from McGinn’s decision to come to the college. He was captain of both sports each year at Waubonsee. With McGinn playing a big role, Waubonsee’s cross country team was conference co-champion in its inaugural season. His first year, he finished fourth in the conference. He went to Nationals as a sophomore, with the team finishing fifth in the state and McGinn finishing 11th in the state.
McGinn found even greater success as a wrestler at Waubonsee. His freshman season, he finished second in the conference and was the team’s Most Valuable Wrestler both years. His sophomore year was something special. He finished the regular season undefeated and unscored upon. As the state champion and seeded second in the nation, McGinn was upset at the final tournament after being sick the week of the meet. He only lost four matches during his Waubonsee career and was named Athlete of the Year his sophomore year. Following his sophomore year, McGinn was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Outstanding College Athletes of America.
McGinn continued his education at Illinois State University on a wrestling scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “Coming to Waubonsee was an opportunity that was amazing,” he said. “I probably would not have continued my education if I had not been able to get a scholarship.” McGinn gave back to Waubonsee, returning to serve as head coach of the cross country team from 1975 to 1980 and as an assistant wrestling coach during that time as well.
Following his athletic career at Waubonsee, McGinn continued running competitively. He finished in the top 20 of the Chicago Marathon in 1982 and, after winning a trip to compete in the 1984 Honolulu Marathon, finished 20th overall and was the seventh American to cross the finish line.
An Aurora resident, McGinn is sales manager for the Oswego-based Beery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. McGinn is active in the Oswego Chamber of Commerce and is treasurer of the Leads Group. He is one of the organizers of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo and fund-raising Bike Ride.