Connor Rog
Fairfield College Preparatory HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5k: 15:03 (on the track) at New Balance Nationals
5k for XC: 15:23 at the Bethel Invitational
Tell us how your training is going?
I have been running about 55 miles a week this summer. The pace has been smooth. I have been lucky to get some fast alumni to run with me in the summer to push the pace a bit.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I hope to be state champion for XC and even the New England Champion. I am looking towards our state course record as well at Wickham park. The Fairfield Prep team also has a great shot at winning States and New Englands so we are really excited.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I first realized I was fast in 4th grade when I was faster than all the 5th graders. In Middle School I ran a little bit. I ran with a local middle school XC team and we did some good meets here and there. I ran probably 3 miles every other day, nothing serious. I was also playing other sports in Middle School and it wasn't my main focus. Real training and seriousness came Freshman year of high school. The Fairfield Prep team has a good coach (Bob Ford Jr.) and I got sucked into training every day and running hard work outs. That made me thrive.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
We will be doing some out of state invitationals here and there during the season. The main one I am looking forward to though is Footlocker Northeast Regionals. If I run well, I'll be representing the Northeast at Footlocker Nationals in San Diego.
Favorite course to run in Connecticut?
The Wickham Park course is the most legit XC course in Connecticut. The most important meets are held there as well, so it's important t make it you're friend.
Toughest course in Connecticut?
Wickham Park is not only well known but it's also hard. It's quite hilly and usually is slow.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
I am a fan of the Bethel Invitational. Not only did i run my fastest race there last season, but it's also a fun meet because we bring our whole team and the course is nice and there are great prizes for the winning team and individuals including donuts, and apple cider. I also usually film this race and put an intense edit together on youtube of the team and such.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
I sometimes can't tell if this is a good memory or bad memory, but I certainly think about it a lot..
Last year at State Opens, I was the favorite to win and be State champion as a Junior. I had won every race and ran the fastest times for the whole season, I was really looking good. But at State Opens, coming to the last half mile, I got passed by a kid named Bryan Fowler, who was a senior at Tolland high school. I was pretty tired and I was surprised that he had come up behind me like that, when I had been used to winning races by a lot. So we had about 400 meters to go now, and the finish at Wickham Park is famous because it is uphill. Bryan seems to be pulling away with the win, but I hit another gear and started to chase him down. Suddenly, we are neck and neck! We cross the finish line at the same time and everyone who is watching lets out a big "WHOAA!" We had to wait an hour to determine who actually won, but they gave it Bryan Fowler. I respected Fowler a lot for making that race the way it was, it was amazing. But I saw that race as an eye opener. And after that race we went to New Englands in Thetford, VT and I ran the race of my life. I came in 3rd while Bryan came in 6th. Ever since that race I have always learned to keep yourself focused and not get fazed out. There's always another race to prove yourself.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I usually like to Longboard with my friends. I also like to film and edit and make longboarding videos. A couple of my friends are sponsored longboarders!
Favorite quote?
I am a really big fan of Prefontaine's racing style.
"A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more."-Steve Prefontaine
David Pugliese
Xavier HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5K: 15:57 @ Greater Hartford Invitational
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer training is going very well. I have been racking up solid base mileage and running fast workouts and have felt strong and consistent. My training has left me eager to start the season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To compete for Conference, State Class, and State Open titles on the individual and team levels, and mix in some fast races. However, on top of it all, I really want to enjoy my last high school cross country season with my team.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
This will be my second cross country season, and the start of my second full year running. I have three older brothers who were all runners at Xavier, so despite starting as a Soccer player freshmen and sophomore year, and a Baseball player freshmen year, I slowly transitioned to track and then cross country at my brothers' advising. However, my coach and I have an inside joke that the reason I became a cross country runner I owe to him, since I bet that I would switch over to cross country if he beat me in a game of pick-up basketball and, sure enough, he beat me; however, I have not lost to him since.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Not until the post season, most likely. There is a chance my team will be running the Amherst Invitational, though.
Favorite course to run in Connecticut?
Wickham Park
Toughest course in Connecticut?
Probably Wickham Park when it comes to important races, but my home cross country course is not fun.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite cross country race so far in my high school career has to be State Open last year at Wickham Park. It was the first time I truly got to compete on a major stage and see what the sport is about (after switching over from soccer). The race made me realize how much I love competing in a 5k and how much I love running cross country.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite cross country memory has to be the gun that signaled the start of my first State Open. I walked in for high aspirations for my team as well as for myself. As I began to run across the field at Wickham Park and glanced to my left, I saw my family, my niece, many Xavier alumni and Coach Michalski-one of the best coaches in Connecticut history-cheering for me. It really pumped me up and made me feel as though I belonged as a cross country runner. It was a great feeling and gave me something more to race for in making them proud.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is playing pick-up basketball and wiffle ball, and spending time with my brothers and my niece.
Favorite quote?
"Pain is temporary, pride is forever."
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Fairfield Warde HS
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