Gioia honors legendary coach

After an unforgettable season that netted him his first city championship since 1990 and his record 300th victory, St. Francis Prep’s legendary football coach Vincent O’Connor was recently honored at City Hall by Councilman Eric Gioia and several former and current players and coaches. Marco Battaglia, the All-American tight end at Rutgers University and a current member of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, along with this year’s Catholic School ‘AA’ championship team, were on hand to honor O’Connor.
“Coach O’Connor has been a true inspiration for me and thousands of former players and coaches at St. Francis Prep,” said Gioia, who played with Battaglia on O’Connor’s ’89 and ’90 championship teams. “He taught me the importance of teamwork, the essence of self-sacrifice, and what it actually means to never give up. … I’m so proud to join my former teammates, coaches, and the 2005 championship team to honor one of the greatest coaches ever to play the game, and to thank one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. Thank you Coach O’Connor.”
Gioia presented a proclamation to O’Connor, 76, in honor of his 53-year career that includes 300 victories (second most in New York State history), 17 Catholic League Championships, six undefeated teams, more than 20 Coach of the Year awards, and membership in the Catholic High School Hall of Fame.
Nine of O’Connor’s former football players have earned collegiate All-American honors and played football in the NFL, including Battaglia and Carolina Panthers’ Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning.
“I enjoy what I’m doing, and I enjoy working with young people,” O’Connor said. “You can impact young people in this part of their lives.”
O’Connor is considered a mentor and role model for his student athletes. The lessons he teaches and instills are applicable both on and off the field but he is most responsible for teaching generations of young men dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“He teaches you football, but at the same time, he teaches you how to apply it for life,” said the senior running back and team captain, Jeff Aime, who earned a scholarship to Hofstra University.