Connor Rog Making His Mark For Fairfield Prep Cross Country Team

Not only might Connor Rog be the best cross country runner Fairfield Prep  ever has produced,  he also could go down as one of the top harriers in state history before his career with the Jesuits is over.

Still, just a junior, Rog has finished first in Fairfield Prep's four head-to head matchups this year, won the Bethel Invitational and placed second last weekend in the Woods Trail Run in Vermont.

"The only reason he came in second in that race is because he was running against who the experts say is the best high school runner in all of New England, a kid from New Hampshire," Fairfield Prep cross country coach Robert Ford said.

Ford, who has been coaching Prep's cross country team since 1986, has even more praise for Rog.

"In the early 2000's,  I coached a kid named Brian McGovern whom I thought no one would ever be better than, but Connor is just as good,  if not better," Ford said.

Rog, who placed first in his age division at this year's Fairfield half marathon, does not even list that as his biggest running accomplishment.

"Last year,  I broke a 4:20 mile, our team won the Class LL cross country championship and I broke the school's 5K record at our last meet," he said. "I would say those have been my top three," Rog said.

All the success has come with a lot of hard work, as Rog logs nearly 50 miles per week.  

 "I usually run eight miles,  six days a week,"he said.    

 Rog, who didn't start running competitively until high school, looks to his relatives for inspiration.

"My aunt and cousin have been really successful at running, so they have been really inspirational to me," he said.

Fairfield Prep's next meet is at West Haven on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.