Connor Fisher, one of Chico State’s top distance runners over the past decade, moves directly into the coaching ranks by joining Gary Towne’s cross country staff for the 2018 season. The Lake Isabella product knows what it takes to win—with the Wildcats, Fisher has been a member of six California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship teams (three in cross country, three in track & field), two West Region champion and three nationally-ranked top 10 cross country squads, and two top 10 Chico State track & field teams.
Fisher becomes a Wildcats coach after wrapping up an impressive Chico State career in 2017–18. The Lake Isabella product was an All-CCAA and All-West Region recipient in cross country, and helped the ’Cats claim the West Region’s No. 1 ranking while finishing ninth in the nation.
Last spring Fisher claimed his second straight title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the CCAA Championships. Fisher earned All-West Region honors in both the steeple and 5,000-meter run, and competed in the NCAA Track & Field Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina.
As a junior, Fisher posted All-CCAA cross country honors, while on the oval, won the CCAA steeple crown, was named All-West Region and qualified for nationals.
Fisher finished his Chico State career ranked fifth all-time in the 5k (14:06.68), while posting the seventh-fastest time in Wildcat history in the steeple (8:57.82).
Fisher matched him competitive success with numerous academic accolades. He earned three CCAA All-Academic awards, was named twice to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Track & Field Team, and in 2017–18 was a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country selection.
Before joining the Wildcats, Fisher competed at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Running under former Chico State standout Brian Locher, Fisher placed third overall at the 2014 State Cross Country Championships, and on the track broke the school record in the 5k (14:29) while ending the season as the runner-up in the 5k at the 2015 State Championships. As a result, Fisher was named Cuesta College’s Outstanding Male Athlete of 2015.
Fisher was also a prep star, competing in both cross country and track & field at Stockdale High School in Bakersfield.
Fisher received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Chico State in 2018.
