Grand Rapids, Michigan - Connor Candler, the son of Monica and John Spencer and Jaime and Scott Candler, has signed his national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Aquinas College. Candler, who currently attends Schoolcraft High School, became the seventh signee of the 2024-25 recruiting class for the Aquinas College men's cross country and track & field programs.

Candler stated, "I enjoy the team atmosphere and I can tell coach Woj really cares about the program and his athletes."

Connor, whose hobbies include playing the guitar and learning piano, running, playing video games and food, has posted a personal best  of 18:06 on the cross course. This spring he has set lifetime bests in both the 1600 meters (4:57) and 800 meters (2:07). He also has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years.

Josh Willoughby, cross country and track and field coach at Schoolcraft added, "It has been a genuine pleasure to coach Connor Candler over the past four years, during which he has developed into an outstanding leader and athlete on our team. Connor has consistently displayed remarkable determination and resilience, achieving impressive personal records in the 800 and 1600 events this year. His relaxed, easygoing nature belies a fierce competitive spirit that emerges when the moment demands it. Additionally, Connor has been an exemplary role model for our younger athletes, inspiring them through his dedication, leadership, and positive attitude. Coaching him has been truly rewarding, and I am excited to follow his future accomplishments, both academically and athletically, as he transitions to college. I am confident that Connor will be a valuable asset to the Aquinas team and wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

Connor has seven siblings named Lucy, Griffin, Gabe, Alexis, John, Hope, and Sam and he is planning on studying Accounting or Business Administration at Aquinas College.

Aquinas head coach Mike Wojciakowski commented, "I am very excited that Connor  has decided to join our program and campus community here at Aquinas College. He has shown tremendous growth as a runner over his high school career and I am looking forward to seeing that trend continue at the collegiate level."