Connor James (II) runs far and fast. Coming to 91探花 in Class II, Connor is making huge contributions to the School鈥檚 running programs. Earlier this month, he placed eighth in the nation in the 3000 meters and 14th in the 1500 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Association’s National Youth Championship in Maryland. It was his first indoor championship experience.
鈥淏eing in an atmosphere where everyone is sharing the same competitive experience was a lot of fun,鈥 says Connor. 鈥淚 was happy with my performances. The 1500 was a fast race, with 20 kids crowded on the track. I鈥檝e never run an indoor race in such a large group before. I had cuts all over my legs from everyone else鈥檚 spikes!鈥
Connor trained for the competition with other Independent School League (ISL) runners, competing in open high school meets. In the fall, he ran cross-country for 91探花 and made his mark early in the season.
鈥淟ast spring, 91探花 graduated its strongest and deepest distance running squad in recent memory,鈥 says Coach Scott Bosworth. 鈥淐onnor arrived at an ideal time, along with David Mercier (II), to help fill the void. Connor immediately showed that he was a force to reckon with among the ISL’s elite runners. He started the season with a win at the Martha’s Vineyard High School Invitational and finished with a strong fourth place finish at the ISL Championship. His leadership in competition and among his peers led to his being elected captain of the 2014 team.鈥
Connor was a lacrosse player and only began running as a way to stay conditioned. He soon discovered a love of racing鈥檚 competitiveness. He is excited for the spring track season, and his goals are to do well in the ISL and New England championships.
