Having claimed the Cross Country title at the prestigious Joe O’Neill Invitational, setting the sophomore class record at Bellevue State Park, and being named Delaware SportsZone Athlete of the week, Connor Nisbet ’19 is well poised to win the New Castle Country and DIAA Division II Championships in November. Paul Nemeth, Cross Country Coach, attributes Connor’s success to his adventurous nature: “He thrives on competition- even in his first race last year against big schools like Salesianum and Tatnall, he was ready for them; he wanted to take the lead at at the start and go for the finish line- and he did.” Asked about his success, Connor was humble: “In a lot of these races, I’m only the fastest by a few seconds; the race in which I just set my PR (Personal Record) had the most kids under 60 minutes ever.” But Connor’s story is certainly extraordinary.

Connor only discovered Cross Country last year when looking for a way to keep fit for his primary passion, tennis. “Connor was introduced to me by Mr. Kittle, who told me Connor was really a tennis player,” said Paul Nemeth. “Then I found out from Connor that he actually loved running, and had discovered it when getting in shape for tennis.” Balancing tennis and Cross Country hasn’t always been easy for him: “I’ve had to miss huge events for both tennis and Cross Country to fit my busy schedule, like Track Nationals or important Tennis tournaments- but it’s worth it to me,” said Connor. But Connor’s success on the course blew everyone away. “When he first came last year, I thought he was just a regular freshman,” said Donovan Aldridge ’18, “but Connor took it by storm!” For Connor, running seems natural: “I love it, and I’m good at it, so that’s pretty great. It’s also kind of a family tradition; my dad was a big runner, and both my brother and my sister run, too.” Since joining the Cross Country team as a freshman, Connor has taken the lead in encouraging athletic excellence.

Cross Country is generally known as an individual sport, but this is not the case for Friends School’s Cross Country squad, of which Connor is a strong member. “Connor has integrated really well into the varsity atmosphere, and we’ve become good friends,” said Andrew Slomski ’17. “Whenever we’re warming up, we don’t have to worry about going too slow for him, because he’s just a really great guy.” As Coach of the Cross Country team, Paul Nemeth recognizes Connor as a solid team-member: “he encourages others on a regular basis, is easygoing with the entire team… As a role model for the rest of the team, I’d love to clone him, he’s that good.” Andrew Slomski remembered one time in particular where he and Connor had a lot of fun: “One time for Columbus Day weekend, Connor and I went out for a quick run beforehand getting breakfast as a team at the Manley’s; we wound up getting lost and ran for 12 miles before finding the house. We were famished and the pancakes were all gone, which was too bad, but the experience remains in my memory as a great bonding experience.” Connor’s dedication to the sport and easygoing attitude make him a valued team member.

With the DIAA Division II Championships coming up soon, Connor seems relaxed yet confident. When asked what keeps him going during a big race, Connor replied: “I’m fighting to win- that’s what keeps me going.” His coach’s confidence in his capabilities is high: “I expect States to be very tight, very difficult, but I think he’s up to the task- I know he’ll be in the top three, but I think he could very well get first place this year,” state’s Nemeth. “In any case, I’m looking forward to another two years with Connor.” With that sentiment, Paul speaks for the rest of the team as well. “I’m so proud of what Connor’s achieved; really, he’s another way for me to motivate myself,  to be faster every day- and I know it’s not just me who feels this way,” stated Aldridge. Here’s to you, Connor! We wish you the best.