After every race growing up, freshman runner Lacey Conner always had one thing on her mind: a burrito.
After every meet, Conner and her father, who is also the University of Portland head men’s cross country coach, would find a place to go get a burrito. Over the next four years at college, that tradition will continue.
It wasn’t always a guarantee that Conner would be a Pilot. Even though her father, Rob Conner, is the most decorated men’s head coach in the Athletic Department and is starting his 26th year with the Pilots, she wanted to see other schools.
“I knew that UP was always a possibility because I had connections here,” Conner said. “I’ve grown up here and it feels like home.”
Coming to UP was a natural choice for Conner. She has been in and around Chiles Center her whole life, including volunteering during the 2016 men’s basketball summer camps.
Her father said that he encouraged her to look at other colleges and after visiting other WCC schools, she liked UP the best. Coach Conner said that he will be able to reap the benefits of his daughter’s choice.
“It’s nice because when we go to meets, I’ll get to watch her run,” coach Conner said. “I’ll be in the stands and see her.”
Now, Conner finds comfort in seeing a familiar face; It makes her feel safe. She loves the fact that her father is always around, especially because they have a tight knit relationship.
“We’re kind of the same person,” Conner said. “That’s why we’re so close.”
They have similar running styles: both striding with their arms glued down by their hips. They also have similar laughs, both love the outdoors and even share the same relaxed attitudes.
Their relationship was built on running. Instead of dinner table conversations, Conner and her father would have bonding talks on runs around the block and the neighborhood.
Even in college, the Conners find time to run together and talk about a slew of different things.
“I try and run with my dad when I can. He might be too slow now,” Conner jokes.
So after dinner tonight, probably burritos, don’t be surprised if you see the Conners running across campus just talking about life. Just as long as her dad can keep up.
