Robert J. “Roc” O’Connell
Sayre High School (Bradford County)
Penn State University
Wrestling – Posthumous
• Considered the “Father of High School Wrestling” in Western
Pennsylvania
• Coached five years at Canonsburg High School (1933 – 1938) compiling a
61-4-1 record (.938) after losing his first 4 matches
• Retired from coaching after the 1938 season but continued his
association with the WPIAL as chairman of the wrestling steering
committee for 24 years.
• Principal at Canonsburg High School more than 20 years and a long time
administrator for the Canon-McMillan School District.
• 1994 Inductee into the Southwest Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame
• 1970 Inductee into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall
of Fame
