Senior Jack O’Connor, a major defensive standout for the football team, announced his commitment to Ithaca College on Tuesday night via Instagram.
O’Connor, a co-captain on the football team, is still finishing out his senior season as the team faces Plainfield on Thanksgiving Day. O’Connor has led the Blue Devils to an outstanding 7-3 record so far as a threatening defensive linebacker. O’Connor has racked up 79 tackles this season and made 81 tackles last season, forcing countless incomplete passes along the way.
Westfield football has played a huge role in O’Connor’s high school life and athletic experiences as a Blue Devil. “Westfield football has been the greatest experience and the greatest four years of my life,” said O’Connor. “The memories the team and I have made will last forever and I can’t thank the program, coaches and team enough.”
O’Connor also plays lacrosse, which incorporates some of his hard-working football skills. As a multi-sport athlete, he has always been determined to do his best for both teams.
O’Connor will join the Bombers who currently stand at 10-0 in the Division III Liberty League. The Bombers ended last season with an 8-2 record and were just short of a national championship, so O’Connor hopes he can make the difference Ithaca needs to make the final step.
Being the strong leader he is, O’Connor wants to be a part of a dedicated, hard-working team which aligns with the football program Ithaca has to offer. “I decided to go with Ithaca for the environment,” said O’Connor. “I also wanted the ability to continue to play football with great people and great coaches who really stood out in the recruiting process as the most caring.”
It’s clear O’Connor values effort and teamwork which he demonstrates on both the lacrosse field and on the football field. Although his time as a Blue Devil athlete isn’t complete, O’Connor is ready to continue his football career at Ithaca and make the most of this opportunity. “I’m looking forward to playing,” he said. “I am so lucky to be able to continue playing football after high school. It is a dream come true and I look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
