Hall of Fame
Rory O’Connell was one of the pioneers of a new era when McKendree announced it was reviving its football program in 1996 following a 45-year absence from the gridiron. Over the first four years of the new program, Rory became one of the leaders of the Bearcats’ program and helped set a standard for future McKendree players to uphold.
A four-year starter in the McKendree secondary, Rory showed his leadership skills both on and off the gridiron. He was a team co-captain in all four seasons, and also served as a McKendree Class of 2000 officer. After helping to lead the Bearcats through their inaugural season in 1996, Rory played an integral role as McKendree won eight games and earned their first-ever berth into the NAIA Football Championship Series in 1997. Rory guided the Bearcats to a pair of playoff appearances, with the other coming in his senior season of 1999.
Along with posting 152 career tackles, Rory was remarkably consistent in picking off opponents’ passes over his four seasons. For his career, Rory registered 19 interceptions, including five each in 1996, 1998 and 1999. His 19 interceptions are more than double the next closest McKendree player at the time of his induction, and his five picks on three different occasions equal the Bearcats’ single-season mark.
Of his 19 career interceptions, Rory returned five of them for touchdowns, which is still a program record. He established a McKendree record with three pick-sixes as a sophomore in 1997, a mark that was matched 20 years after Rory first accomplished the feat. In addition to his McKendree career interception mark, Rory ranks second with 31 pass break-ups. Also a threat as a punt return specialist, Rory still sits in the Bearcats’ all-time top five with 62 punt returns and 509 return yards.
Rory was a two-time first-team All-Conference selection during McKendree’s first two years as a member of the Mid-States Football Association-Midwest League in 1998 and 1999. He also earned Academic All-Conference honors following the 1998 season.
