Conner Armstrong feature athlete interview – signed with Cornell University

1. Why did you decide to sign with Cornell University?

I decided to sign with Cornell University for many reasons. My journey with Cornell started with my recruiting coordinator, Coach Travis Burkett staying in contact with me throughout the whole process. He was always very confident and upbeat about the program. His excitement about the upcoming football season was beyond contagious for both my family and I. I went on my official visit in November of 2011 and instantly fell in love with the Cornell football program. Every coach showed a lot of enthusiasm and were beyond excited about telling me all about the program. I felt welcomed as a family member by the coaches and players right away. I had an opportunity to eat breakfast with the team, go to a game, and spend quality time with the coaches and players after. It was everything I had hoped playing college football would be like. Everything I saw, the campus, the football program etc…told me that this was the college of my dreams. This was an opportunity I just could not pass up. I will be able to play college football and graduate with an Ivy League education.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am very excited to become a student-athlete at Cornell University. I am beyond anxious to expand my knowledge in the classroom and prove myself on and off the football field. I will work hard in everything I do at Cornell University in order to be successful as both a student and an athlete.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

My advice toward other athletes getting recruited would be to let the college football team choose you. Yes, have your dream schools and work your hardest in all that you do. However, you should not go to a school just because it has always been your dream; you need to feel wanted and needed by your future team. Also, don’t expect everything to come to you just by playing. You need to put yourself out there and send emails to colleges stating your interest in the program, a short biography about you and your highlight film.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence in my sports career would have to be my brother who is 2 years older than me. My parents always supported me in everything that I did and always set me up to train with the best athletes including former professional football players and always pushed me to be the best that I could be. They also attended every sporting event I have ever had to support me. However, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today if I hadn’t been constantly competing with my brother Adam since we were little kids. We always competed with each other and if one person did more in something, then the other would beat it. This started when we were young kids in youth football when I was around the age of 7. A prime example of our competitiveness between each other was every night we would both do about 350 pushups and sit-ups and call it even, then leave the room and knock out more on our own to beat each other. Then the next morning we would tell each other how many we did and whomever did less would then knock out the difference. This has gone on between us ever since.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

During my college sports career I would like to become a leader and a captain on my Cornell Football team. I would like my fellow teammates to come to me for help and guidance, whether it be on or off the football field. As for my selfish goals, I would like to become the starting running back and help my team win an undisputed Ivy League Championship.

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