Hall of Fame
John “Jack” Connor was a talented two-way player for the Red Raiders, and arguably his greatest work was when he carried the football. He played both quarterback and left halfback. He played from 1954-56 after transferring from NYU, which dropped its football program.
In the 1956 season, Connor was the team’s left halfback and had 117 rushes for 706 yards – both school records. Connor’s 117 rushes lasted as a record for six seasons, while his 706 rushing yards lasted as a single-season record for 10 years (1966). He lost only seven yards on the ground all season. He also completed three passes for 43 yards and as a result, was the team’s total offense leader with 749 yards.
Most impressively, Connor scored 13 touchdowns and converted two PATs in 1956, giving him a school-record total of 80 points to lead the Pennsylvania Conference. Connor’s 80 points in 1956 stood as a school record for 25 years until it was broken by Dave Friese in 1981. His 13 touchdowns also lasted for 25 years until it was broken by Friese; the touchdowns record was tied 18 years later by Hall of Famer Rick Diggs in 1974.
In 1955, Connor played quarterback and led the team in forward passing statistics, completing 17-of-29 passes for 287 yards. He was also listed second in total offense behind Don Stankus with 442 yards (155 rushing, 287 passing). Connor was also the team’s punter, averaging 31.3 yards per punt (28 punts, 876 yards).
Per his coach, Jack Roddick, Connor was excellent at calling plays and distributing the handoffs amongst his teammates.
Among his many postseason awards, Connor was selected to the All-State team, the AP All-State and AP Little All-America teams.
Among his extracurricular activities include being a member of the President’s Council as a senior and was the President of the Varsity Club.
Connor graduated in 1957 and later earned his master’s in education from Shippensburg in 1968. He is now a member of three football Hall of Fames: PA Scholastic Football Coaches Association (2002), PA Sports Hall of Fame (South Central Chapter), and PA Sports Hall of Fame (2006). He taught for 41 years and coached for 45 years.
