Connor Fisher spent most of his summer traveling in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, living out of a small backpack. The Chico State distance runner did not waiver from his challenging training regiment, however, and spent many hours on the dirt roads and trails of Central America.
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So when the Wildcats opened the cross country season with a challenging track at the Humboldt Invitational at Patrick's Point State Park in Trinidad, Fisher had no problems with the narrow hiking trails, two-foot drop, and log jump that each runner faced.
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In fact, he thrived. Fisher finished second overall in the first race of his junior season, to earn Wildcat of the Week honors on his birthday (Tuesday).
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Fisher covered the challenging eight-kilometer course in 24:39.32, finishing behind only reigning California Collegiate Athletic Association Runner of the Year and teammate Will Reyes, while helping lead the team to a perfect score.
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In fact, the first 17 runners to cross the line had Chico State connections. Fourteen are current Wildcats, two are redshirts, and one is a recent graduate.
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Fisher and the Wildcats will face a much stiffer test next time out at the Capital Cross Challenge hosted by Sacramento State at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex on Oct. 1. The meet will serve as a preview for the Division I West Regional Championship and feature some of the top Division I programs in the West Region.
