Hall of Fame
Rev. William O'Donnell '65 - Class of 2013
As a senior, Bill O’Donnell was part of one of the most significant moments in the early history of Le Moyne College Athletics. Partnering with Gold Wave Hall of Fame members David McBride ’65 and Bill Ripple ’67, O’Donnell ran the middle leg of the sprint relay event at the 1965 Penn Relays, the most prestigious track and field event in the sport. Along with Chuck Desmond, the quartet recorded a gold medal time of 3:33.6 to the claim the first victory at the relays for Le Moyne and established the team as one of the fastest medley in the country. In addition to competing in Indoor & Outdoor track, O’Donnell ran Cross Country his first season on the Heights and served as manager each of the next three years. Serving across campus in a variety of capacities during his time at Le Moyne, O’Donnell upon leaving Le Moyne, entered the religious order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate where he studied philosophy and theology at the Jesuit-run Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained in Rome in 1970.
