A 1948 graduate of Fordham College, Jerry Connolly was a top runner for the Rams during his stay at Rose Hill. In 1947, with Jerry as the anchor, Fordham won seven straight two-mile relays, including the Metropolitan Millrose and National A.A.U. races. That same season, the Rams also captured their first ever Penn Relays Championship. At the 1948 Touchdown Club-Washington Star Games, Jerry set a then Fordham and meet record in the 1,000 yard run and also won the Senior Met A.A.U. 1,000 yard run, to be named the meet's outstanding performer. The captain of the 1948 squad, Jerry also anchored the winning two-mile relays at the 1948 Boston Knights of Columbus and Newark Regiment Meets, and the third place finisher at the Penn Relays.