Meet Connor Ferrentino
9/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Sept. 15, 2014
How did you begin running distance?
"I started distance running right after my sophomore year of high school. I finished third at the state meet in the 1600m and my coach thought I had potential in the longer distances, so I decided to give up soccer and start training for cross country over the summer going into my junior year."
What inspired you to come to The University of Alabama?
"I loved everything about the campus, facilities and the team was a cool group of guys. The campus has its own special atmosphere that just made it feel like home. I thought I could grow as not only a runner but as a person here."
So far, what is the biggest difference you've noticed in college training and high school training?
"The mileage is definitely the biggest difference I've noticed so far. I'm doing close to double what I did in high school. The workouts are much more intense as well."
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your running career?
"I think my biggest accomplishment has been keeping my head in the right place and never losing sight of my goals. It may sound like a weird accomplishment, but I've been injured quite a bit over the past two years, and I'm proud of myself for never letting them effect my mindset on running."
What goals do you have for this year?
"I want to be the absolute best I can be, and contribute to the team any way possible. Setting some massive PR's is on the list as well."
As a freshman, what do you think you can learn from the veteran athletes on the squad?
"I can learn how to control myself during workouts and learn how to not burn myself out quickly."
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"Listen to your body!"
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner, and how do you respond?
"Pretty much every person that's not a distance runner themselves thinks I'm insane for running as much as I do. They don't understand how I can enjoy running. I usually just laugh it off and say `there's nothing better than pushing your body to the limit'."
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be?
"I would choose the 100-meter dash. It would be awesome to just hit a dead sprint for 10 seconds and be done."
