The Connolly Cup

The Connolly Cup Committee has been proudly recognizing Western New York's top high school football players since 1972. Over the years, the Connolly Cup has established itself as one of the most prestigious high school football awards in the region.  

Throughout the past fifty-plus years, the game of Western New York football has evolved significantly. However, one thing remains constant: the Connolly Cup Committee continues to honor the area's best players each week. At the end of the season, the ten most outstanding players are invited to our awards banquet, where the esteemed William R. Connolly Memorial Cup is presented to the most outstanding player of the season.  

While the Connolly Cup is synonymous with recognizing excellence in high school football in Western New York, the background of its namesake is less commonly known.  

William R. (Bill) Connolly was a true embodiment of community service, dedicating himself to various causes including the local Boy Scouts of America and the American Red Cross. He also served as a football official for little league and high school games. Even during his professional career, Bill found ways to assist those in need through his work with the United Way. When health concerns ended his officiating days, he adapted by becoming a volunteer trainer for the Riverside High School football team and the Riverside Athletic Club in the JFK Touch Football League. Bill's commitment to helping others knew no bounds. During family vacations to their summer home in Canada, he organized a softball league for local boys. When his daughter Molly expressed her desire to play, Bill established a junior co-ed league to include younger children. In 1971, the ball field near the Connolly summer home was dedicated in Bill's honor, and in 2008, improvements were made to the field, further commemorating Mr. Connolly.  

In 1971, Pat Sullivan from Auburn won the Heisman Trophy, defeating the fan-favorite Ed Marinaro from Cornell, which led to a spirited debate among members of the Riverside Athletic Club—avid football enthusiasts.  

After Bill's untimely passing, the members of the RAC honored their beloved friend by naming their award after him. The William R. Connolly Memorial Cup is now awarded to the Most Outstanding High School Football Player in Western New York, perpetuating his legacy within the community.