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05/16/2019 12:00 AMConnor Rose was on the path to becoming a runner at Guilford High School when an injury forced him to change course. However, this detour wound up proving a fortuitous one for Connor, who’s gone on to have a successful career in another arena of track and field.
Connor is a senior who’s serving as a captain for Guilford boys’ outdoor track team this spring. He started out with cross country as a freshman, until a stress fracture sidelined him for the rest of that season and his entire indoor track campaign.
At the encouragement of Coach Jon Rivera, Connor picked up a shot put, and the rest was history. Connor is putting together a great season in the throwing events for the Indians, having qualified for the Class MM State Championship in the discus. Prior to that, he will throw both the shot put and the discus at the SCC Championship.
“My freshman year, I knew nothing about throwing. I was lucky enough to have friends and coaches on the team, including [former Guilford assistant coach] Rich Torrellas, who coached in the 2008 Olympic Games,” Connor says. “I got very much into throwing, and I made it into my main sport. I even bought myself my own shot puts and discus, and practice in the offseason.”
Connor has been ambitious from the start and always wants to top his previous performance. While that creates more pressure, Connor has learned how to deal with it.
“I was nothing special my freshman year, so when I hit a new personal record, I wanted to do better the following week. It would stress me out, so I wouldn’t throw at my best,” Connor says. “As time went on, I got used to the level of competition and my expectations, and then I got more confident in my throws.”
Connor does a lot of online research in order to learn some tricks of the trade that help him hone his craft.
“On Instagram and YouTube, I follow throwing accounts, and I always try and find something I can incorporate into my throws,” says Connor. “Each piece of a throw has its own unique way to do it, so I focus in on that one part, such as getting through the throwing circle and maintaining control. I also record my own practices, so I can watch them to improve.”
Connor embraces the camaraderie among Connecticut’s throwers. He likes the mixture of a friendly atmosphere with some intense competition.
“The throwers around the state have their own personalities, so I am able to really get along with throwers at meets. The meets feel like a casual environment until you hit the circle,” Connor says. “I like to use my strength, and it’s pleasing when I can throw far and put my strength into everything I do.”
Boys’ outdoor track Head Coach George Cooksey says that Connor has made tremendous strides throughout his tenure with the Indians. Cooksey adds that Connor is also a marvelous mentor for his teammates as a captain.
“Connor’s work ethic stands out. He’s passionate about improving in the throwing events and relentless in his willingness to master the form of the discus and shot,” says Cooksey. “Connor is always ready and willing to provide guidance and support to his younger teammates. His teammates chose him as their captain, because he practices what he preaches and has the patience to help others on their journeys towards achieving their goals.”
Connor is looking to toss his way to conference titles during the 2019 postseason. After SCCs, Connor will compete at the Class MM meet with an aim to launch himself into the elite tier of throwers in the state.
“I would love to win conference championships at SCCs. I think I have enough in the tank to come out on top,” says Connor. “For states, I’m hoping to place well enough to hopefully make the State Open.”