Northeastern University Athletics

James J. Connolly was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in the sports of football, basketball and baseball.

Connolly was an outstanding fullback, a top flight catcher and captain of the basketball team. He also captained the football team as a senior. In 1937, Connolly was recognized for his brilliant service to Northeastern athletics when the student body named him the recipient of the Kontoff Cup, as the Outstanding Student Athlete.

He made his mark as an explosive college quarterback . Connolly scored 66 points as a sophomore to list among the nation's top twenty scorers and as a senior completed an amazing 70 percent of his passes. In 1938, Connolly was an easy choice for All New England and All East Small College honors. Connolly changed uniforms as few others at Northeastern, and between football, basketball and baseball earned some nine letters in a slightly less than bionic athletic career. For Connolly, a typical break in the action took place when he walked from the locker room to Dodge Library in the main quadrangle. Connolly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Sociology with a minor in Physical Education and Recreation in 1940. He went on to play professional football with the Providence Steamrollers and Quincy Manets in the American Association League.

Connolly is retired now after many years of serving as Director of Physical Education and varsity coach of football, basketball, baseball and track first at Winslow High School in Maine and later at South Portland High School.