On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Upper Moreland seniors Connor Hurst and Stone Pannapacker were recognized for committing to continue their track and field careers at York College. Check back for photos of the event.
Connor Hurst – York College (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Political Science
Final list of colleges: York, Chestnut Hill, Arcadia
Reasons for choosing York: “When I went on my visit, it was a really strong connection. I met with the track team when I was up there, and I really enjoyed that.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and cross country at the collegiate level? “I started running cross country back in kindergarten and first grade, and I’ve been running ever since. I really wanted to run in college, so I’m glad I am.”
Coach Doug Smith says: “Connor is a great kid. He’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime kids. He wasn’t a superstar stud ability-wise, but he was one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever been around in all my years of coaching. He has a great personality – just everything about him was amazing. He battled through injuries and personal stuff, and it was great to see his hard work paid off for him. He made districts in the 800, which was his goal. He made it at the William Tennent Invitational, and just to see the joy and the elation in his face, it was one of those things as a coach you’ll never forget, and I won’t. It was absolutely amazing.”
About Connor:
Favorite food: Hawaiian Pizza
Favorite movie: Baby Driver
Favorite music: Logic
Stone Pannapacker – York College (Track & Field)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: York, IUP, Gwynedd Mercy, East Stroudsburg
Reasons for choosing York: “I ended up choosing York more for the academic side. They had the best nursing program out of all of them and the best SIM labs. For the track part, I loved the facilities the best. The Grumbacher Field was the most updated and just looked the nicest.”
Coach Doug Smith says: “If I’ve ever had a kid who did a 180 from his junior year to his senior year, it was him. His senior year he acted as another coach. He’s one of those kids that did a lot of things for us. He hurt his shoulder at our invitational, and he missed some of our season, but he was hard working and self-motivated. He worked hard in the offseason, committed himself to his craft, and he was a coach for us. He was able to help all the younger kids out, whether it was hurdles, pole vault, throws or whatever. He was a great kid. It was an amazing transformation from his junior year to his senior year, and I loved having him around.”
About Stone:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite music: Rap/Hip Hop
- Log in to post comments
