John "Okie" O'Connell
Our Thought and Prayers go out to John's family and friends. He was like a brother to so many.
As you may have heard there was an award started for John here in Intramurals,
The John O'Connell Award.
This award is given to an outstanding student athlete who best reflects John’s sportsmanship and athleticism.
The winner of the award will have their name engraved into the plaque that was made and will remain in the intramural office for as long as intramurals continues.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 John O'Connell Award
Shawn Leonard and Rebeka Lent
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2007 John O'Connell Award.
Jason Tileston and Kristen Strole
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2006 John O'Connell Award.
Andrew Smith and Rachel Sweeney.
John's family has started a fund and a cause to make sure that what has happened to John never happens to anyone else. Please support this cause, Okie 33 fund.
There are now "Okie 33" stickers available, contact or find Andrew Smith for stickers.
Here are some pictures of when the plaque was shown to John's Family.
"They say time will
Make all this go away
But it's time that has taken my tomorrows
And turned them into yesterdays
And once again that rising sun
Is dropping down
And once again you my friend
Are nowhere to be found"
Ben Harper, Walk Away
Read by: Rick Colburn, "Twinkie"
If you have any memories or pictures that you feel represent John well please feel free to e-mail them to me at IMsports@wsc.ma.edu.