Name: Connor Doherty
School: Scarborough High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was undoubtedly the Class A XC State Meet my junior year at Belfast. I had been the fifth runner all season, and finished second for my team at states to help secure the championship for our team. We had lost at regionals the week prior and it was my first team title I contributed to, making the success that much sweeter. We were the pack, and getting to win a title with that group of guys is something I'll forever cherish.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I've got a few answers for this one. Shoutout to the Messo 4x8 team for always giving us a good challenge. Secondly, my teammates Colin Tardiff and Andrew Sholl. We pushed each other quite a bit these past two years. Falmouth. Lastly, Josh Lombardo was always fun to race with as well.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
At the Class A Indoor State Meet this year I was on the first place, state meet record setting 4x8 team as well as the runner up in the two mile behind Paul Casavant. We were the 3rd seed in the relay and I was the 4th seed in the two mile, so finishing first and second respectively was a huge accomplishment I won't forget.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would do core. Being lazy with core work has resulted in me being injury stricken throughout high school.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My own mentality. Being affected so much by injury really takes a toll on your ego. Junior year I had a stress reaction in my ankle, and this past outdoor season I had tendinitis in my hip flexor. It's very discouraging losing work that you've put in, especially when it comes time to step up to the starting line.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates, the feeling of success, XC adventure runs, the list goes on.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Enjoy it while you can. Put the work in, but have fun. Don't be like Luke Grover, actually run over the summer. Oh, and do core. Core is good.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Harmon taught me that a team is only as fast as its slowest runner, which is pretty applicable to real world team scenarios. Veilleux taught me that pain is rewarding, and that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Mentality is everything.
What are your college plans?
I'm attending the University of Maine at Orono and plan on running there as well as majoring in Wildlife Ecology.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Thanks to the fam, running is expensive. Thanks to my coaches for making me a better runner/person. Thanks to the boys: Fowler, Maxim, Bloomer, Goodguy, JT, Tard, Jones, Sholl, Sn, Dave. Running with y'all and being a part of the pack was unforgettable.
Shamus, Goodwin, Luke; Thanks for helping the boys make the triple crown a reality. We couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks to the runners in SMAA for making it a cool community. Southard, Breton, Lombardo, Swett, Keiter; keep it real fellas.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Shamus. You know what you have to do.
Also... What Sholl said.
