Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Connor Banks

Golf can be a humbling sport for athletes of any age. A great drive and successful iron shot can be ruined with a putt that runs off the green, turns into a horrendous chip, and then a two-putt for a double bogey. Golf takes humility, patience, and athleticism, characteristics that describe junior golfer Connor Banks. Despite only picking up the game during the pandemic, Connor has quickly emerged as one of the Wolves' top golfers with not only his ability to put up low scores each week but also the value he brings as a teammate and leader that makes him this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Traditionally, golf is a sport passed down from an adult family member to a child. Connor was looking for something to do with his friends, and last summer provided him an opportunity to try out a sport all his friends had in common. “I was getting a bit burnt out from baseball season, so I wanted to try something different,” says Connor.

Connor’s venture into golf is nothing short of extraordinary, as the numbers he is putting up from the Wolves are what you would expect with someone with three times as much experience in the game. “It amazes Becky and I still (Jason and Becky, Connor’s parents), but Connor only started playing golf a little over 18 months ago and his improvement has been wonderful,” says Jason and Becky.

Head coach Jim Vera has also been struck by how fast Connor has been able to improve in such a short time. “He was one of our top golfers on the JV team last season and has already taken five strokes off his average from last year, and that is from the intermediate tees, which is a tremendous jump. He has a great deal of potential and a great work ethic,” says Jim.

Averaging 41.6 strokes per nine holes, Connor has the lowest average on the team and has already placed 5th as an individual at the Panther Stableford. Connor’s talent is not the only thing helping the Wolves succeed, as he has emerged as a leader for the Wolves in only his second year in the program. “Connor is a great teammate and extremely popular with his teammates. He can be quiet at times but says what needs to be said. He is the first to congratulate a teammate or pick someone up if they had a bad day,” says Jim.

That drive to succeed and willingness to pick up those around him are traits Connor exhibits in his everyday life, not just on the course. “Connor is highly competitive and focused,” says Jason. He adds, “Connor is driven to do well academically and athletically. He’s always been that way. Despite the personal obstacles he has had to overcome in his life, he is one of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met.”

Connor’s success in the classroom has helped him earn a 3.9 G.P.A. and although he is not quite sure what field he would like to study, he does want to attend college out west and play golf with an interest in either the medical or law field.

Patrick Sweeney, an English teacher at OE, understands what makes Connor so unique and believes he will be successful in any field. “Connor is an excellent student, and one of his many traits that I admire is his self-advocacy. He is always respectful of people’s uniqueness, and he has a cool, calm, and collected energy that puts others at ease,” says Patrick. He goes on to say, “I can see Connor being extremely successful in any field that requires him to work face-to-face with people. Connor’s ability to manage his time balancing school work, sports, and family/personal life is a skill that will make him a standout in whichever career he chooses.”

Many of Connor’s teachers at OE have provided Connor the room to thrive and grow as an individual, something Jason and Becky appreciate. “OE has been such a blessing to Connor,” says Jason. He goes on to say, “Connor has been given opportunities at OE beyond what we’d even hoped for. In addition to his baseball and basketball coaches, Coach Vera and Coach Englehardt have been very supportive of Connor and make the golf team and environment truly a place that Connor and his teammates love being a part of.”

Having improved so much in such a short time, Coach Vera believes there is little standing in Connor’s way, saying, “I don’t think there is any limit to what Connor can do, and he can play at the next level. He has a ton of potential and a great work ethic, which is a wonderful combination to have.”

As only a junior, the sky is the limit for Connor, whether in the classroom or on the golf course. For those future Wolves, Connor advises them, saying, “be yourself and keep working hard to be the best version of yourself in everything you do.” Coach Vera, Connor’s teammates, and Connor’s teachers can expect Connor to take his advice as he looks to leave his mark on OE over the next two years, both as a student and athlete.