Robert Connors Wakefield Hall of Fame

Robert A. Connors

Coach Robert Connors was hired as Wakefield Varsity football coach in 1984 and faced the inauspicious task of turning around a sagging Wakefield Football program. In spite of a team record of 1 win against 9 losses in his first Wakefield season people could sense an incredible change in the players’ attitude toward the game. Of course winning was important to Coach Connors: he had a glorious storybook career as an inducted hall of fame athlete at Wakefield High School, Waltham High School and Northeastern University; earned a tryout for the New York Giants; an illustrious career as boys football and girls basketball coach at Waltham High; was offensive coordinator for Bentley College Football team. But winning was not of the ultimate importance to the great Robert Connors.

Bob Connors’ best attribute might have been his uncanny way to motivate people to rise to a higher level; put the wins and losses in a dignified perspective and to make the game fun with the help of his renowned dry humor and incisive wit. He was known for his love of children and especially his generosity and support of the underprivileged. The regard and esteem in which he was held by his peers and students in high school and college was legendary as was the modesty in the acknowledgement of his successes. Even as he battled with cancer before his premature death in 1998 at the age of 51, the courage and determination he exhibited were just as remarkable as his outstanding athletic accomplishments.

Robert Connors left an indelible memory of a leadership style and gentlemanly approach to not only sports but to those around him as well. He personified the spirit of teamwork; the soul of a team; the character of leadership and the integrity of a successful organization; while demonstrating the essence of life itself.

Bob Connors Memorial Award Recipients

Awarded to a Wakefield High School Varsity Football Player who best exemplifies the spirit and philosophy of

Coach Connors by displaying leadership, integrity and character on and off the football field.

1998	Sean Timmons	1999	Mike James	2000	Andrew Brown		2001	Andrew Griffin
2002	Tom Kelleher	2003	Matt Roberto	2004	Robert Meuse	2005		Ed Tyre
2006	Bill Curran	2007	Matt Mackay	2008	John Amentola	2009		Matt Lincoff

Robert A. Connors Selected Milestones

1962-1965 Waltham High School

Class President – Football quarterback and defensive back – Voted most respected by graduating class -

Basketball Captain and guard - State Class A Champion in Javelin throw 1965

Member Waltham High School Hall Of Fame

Graduated cum laude in 1972 Bachelor of Science

1967-1969 Letterman at Northeastern University

1969 Team MVP

Still ranks in categories for individual game records. (Touchdown passes and Completion percentage)

Still ranks in categories for individual career records. (Touchdown passes, Total offense, passing yards, Interceptions and rushing touchdowns)

1970 Signed with New York Giants playing one year at their affiliate as defensive back for The Long Island Bulls of the Atlantic Coast League

1972-1975 Backfield coach for Waltham High Varsity Football

1976-1981 Head Coach Waltham High Varsity Football Record of 43-14 – Won Suburban League title in 1977 and a share in 1978 & 1981

1976-1997 Girls Basketball Coach - guided program to many Division 1 North appearances including ten straight from 1987-1997 and a greater Boston League Championship in 1996.

1984-1989 Wakefield Varsity Football Coach 1989 Middlesex League Champion - 1986 Middlesex League Coach of the year

Click on graduation year or fall of below for more team statistics and more pictures.

Grad

Team

Team

win

loss

tie

Fall

Year

Captain

Captain

1990

Anthony Encarnacao

Anthony Folger

235

1989

Dan Martin

Matt Chase

143

124

1988

Andy Lombara

Anthony Lisitano

179

110

1987

Tito Raymond

Kurt Fieldhouse

155

146

1986

Kevin Lucey

Ken McNall

184

191

1985

James Fahey

Sean Collins

Brian Bisacre

105

264

1984

1984-1989 Wakefield Varsity Football Coach 1989 Middlesex League Champion - 1986 Middlesex League Coach of the year

1990-1997 Bentley College Falcons Football Offensive Coordinator -Instrumental in developing several championship teams

1990 Inducted into Northeastern University Hall of Fame click for biography

1998 10-24 Captains Club established in Waltham In commemoration of Bob Connors’ number in football (10) and Basketball (24) an honor is placed upon all captains of all varsity sports from all seasons (fall, winter & spring) who are in good standing, to recognize captains for leadership and effort.

1998 Robert A. Connors Waltham High School Girls Basketball Memorial Award Established - given to a senior who demonstrates courage, leadership, character, integrity and true dedication to her sport and her team.

1998 Robert A. Connors Wakefield High School Memorial Award Established - Awarded to a Wakefield High School Varsity Football Player who best exemplifies the spirit and philosophy of Coach Connors by displaying leadership, integrity and character on and off the football field.

2001Inducted into the Wakefield Hall Of Fame

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Wakefield Varsity Football Home Page

For alumni or companies who desire to contribute to the Support of Wakefield Sports please send all inquiries or donations to

Warrior Club – PO Box 442 – Wakefield, MA 01880 or warrior@whsfb.com

Complaints comments, suggestions, etc.

warrior@whsfb.com