Bill O'Connor
Athletic Director

Bill O'Connor enters his fifth year as Athletic Director at Bellevue Community College. After several years, O'Connor has made several changes which have now given the deparment greater visibility both on campus and within the community. Most noteworthy of his accomplishments in his baby tenure, O'Connor has elevated financial sponsorship support for the department. In addition to these positive steps, O'Connor has also brought in a tighter association and support network between the athletic director and all of his coaches. He frequently meets and converses with all of his coaches, from basketball coach Jeremy Eggers to women's tennis coach Jason Chapman on a consistent basis. In addition to enhanced communication and support for the coaching staff members, O'Connor is a staple figure at practices and contests for all of BCC's teams.

The enhanced visibility on campus is evidenced by the return of cheerleaders, which were last part of BCC's community in the late 80's and a new mascot, the Bulldogs. The cheerleading squad has grown from a half-dozen to over 13 in one year.

O'Connor has also hired several new coaches and has been the missing link between the athletic department and other employees and departments on campus."I think we have got some good things going," says O'Connor.

O'Connor was previously employed as Vice President of Sales for Sea Catch, Inc. He held that position for 25 years. O'Connor also holds previous employment in the collegiate athletic world as many basketball enthusiasts are well aware of.

A former head basketball coach for Seattle University in the 70's, O'Connor directed the Chieftains (now known as the Redhawks) for six years from 1972-1977 during their last years as an NCAA division I level program. O'Connor enjoyed tremendous success, particularly with player development as evidenced by his high-caliber athletes who went on to professional basketball careers in the NBA; Frank Oleynick, Clint "Doc" Richardson, Juwann Oldham, and Rod Derline. Richardson, Oleynick, and Oldham are still ranked in the top ten of Seattle U's all-time scoring leaders (fourth, sixth, and tenth respectively). O'Connor also has previous coaching experience at Stamford Catholic HS (CT) and Providence College.

As an athlete, the tall and slender O'Connor was an All-East and Helms Foundation All-American Team member in 1963. He was a standout at Canisius College and was elected to their Hall of Fame in 1977. His talents on the court were legitimate enough to earn him a stint in the NBA. He played for the New York Knicks in 1963.

During his spare time, O'Connor maintains his personal competitive drive as a near-scratch handicap golfer and as owner of two thoroughbred race horses which are based at Emerald Downs. O'Connor and his wife for 34 years, Joan, reside in Bellevue and have three children, daughters Dawn and Courtney, and son Chris. Bill and Joan also have seven grandchildren.