John “Bozo” Connors

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John excelled in football and baseball at St. John’s High School, Pittston. He was a member of the 1948 Sunday Dispatch Coal Bowl and had a record 85-yard punt. He was named to the Luzerne County All-Scholastic football team, was a two-time King’s College basketball Invitational All-Tournament team selection in ’48-’49, MVP and All-Tourney team selection for the 1949 Pittston Chamber of Commerce Invitational Basketball Tournament, and two-time Catholic League All-Scholastic in basketball and baseball in ’48-’49. His 1948 St. John’s basketball team went undefeated, winning Catholic League and Diocesan championships. They captured back-to-back titles in the King’s Invitation Basketball Tourney. John was invited to compete in a track and field meet against Scranton area schools and secured first place gold medal finishes in the shot put, discus, high jump and two and one-half mile relay. He had never competed in a track meet before that time! Over 30 major colleges and universities recruited John for his athletic abilities. Attending William and Mary University, during his freshman year against Wake Forest, he gained nearly 300 yards running. He achieved a reputation as the second leading punter in the nation before an ankle injury sidelined him. He also lettered in baseball and track at William and Mary. He returned to his alma mater to coach football, baseball and basketball from 1960-1965, compiling winning records in all three sports, posting two baseball division championships. Retired from the U.S. Postal Service, John and his wife reside in Pittston and are the parents of seven children, Mary Pat Mecca, Cathy Holly, Karen Dalton, Ann Brudzinski, Jim, Rose and Trudy Connors.