Classical's Murphy named Gatorade Player of Year

Conor Murphy of Classical High School has been named the 2018-19 Gatorade Rhode Island Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year.

The award recognizes both outstanding athletic excellence and high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character. Murphy is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year award to be announced later this month.

Murphy is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior and set a state record in the 800-meter run last season, a personal-best clocking of 1:50.43 at the Bishop Hendricken Invitational. Murphy also won the 800 at the New England Interscholastic Track & Field Championships and he finished third in the event at this month’s New Balance Nationals Outdoor to earn All-American honors.

Murphy has volunteered locally as a youth track coach.

“Conor had a great season,” said Bill Haberek, head coach of Chariho High. “That 1:50 at Hendricken was something to see.”

Murphy has maintained a B average in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school this fall.