Connor Rose • 2012

Nickname: Big Bird
Irvine, CA (Sage Hill)
History and Economics

It didn't take long for Connor to be asked to don the brown and blue at the Regional level. In just his freshman cross country season, Rose toed the line at the 2008 National Qualifier as the seventh man of the TUXC squad. A seasoned middle distance runner in high school, the jump to 8K brought him quickly into the fold of collegiate cross country.

Indoors he dropped his lifetime best in the half mile down to an stellar 1:55.22 with a furious kick at Boston University's All New England Championships. His sophomore fall saw him return to the Regional squad. After a string of tough races early in indoors, Connor stepped up when it counted most to score in the 600m at New Englands.

With impressive range from 50-point 400m speed to a 25:30 8K PR, Rose is versatile year-round and in many events. However, when Big Bird steps foot on the track, it can be dangerous for all those involved. Connor has an extreme desire to PR and will use his 6'4" frame in any means necessary to accomplish the task.

Before his junior season, he put in a great base of mileage and saw the benefits of that during track, when he ran 1:52.44 indoors to qualify for NCAAs, where he finished 10th in the country.

Though he missed out on All-American honors, he vowed to return next year stronger. In the fall of his senior year, Connor returned to the top 7 of the cross country team, helping the team to a 5th place finish at the New England Regional Championship, earning an at-large bid to NCAAs in Wisconsin, where the team placed 9th in the country.

Every year, Connor hoped he would be able to make the transition from a half-miler into a miler. During his final indoor season, he made it happen. He dropped significant chunks of time every time he attempted the distance, resulting in a 4:08 at the Open New England Championships. The time qualified him for Nationals, where he also competed in the Distance Medley Relay. After qualifying for the final in the mile, Connor got on the track to help the DMR, running the 800m leg. The team finished 8th, earning All-American honors. Not satisfied with just one certificate, Connor came back the next day with a furious finish, coming from behind to place 6th in the mile final.

Interests: Robusting, Frothing, Fixing door frames, Having chicken

PRs: 800m: 1:52.44
Mile: 4:08.65
8k: 25:33

Why Tufts: Laundry, Whale sharks, Fiscal policy