Tom Reilly '84
2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
Football, Basketball and Baseball
Tom Reilly instantly crops up whenever one thinks about top athletes from Bishop O'Connell High School. A 1984 graduate, Tom was a household name on both the football field and the baseball diamond and as a student in the classroom.
Tom's football career at O'Connell was simply memorable. He was a two-year starter, and his senior year was exceptional. First Team All-WCAC Offensive Tackle by the Washington Post and All Virginia Private School for both Offensive and Defensive Tackle by the Journal Newspaper. Much more than a player himself, he was a linchpin both ways off the line of scrimmage, also serving as a long snapper. His commitment helped the Knights to an incredible 9-2 season, culminating in being named Virginia State Catholic Champions. The same team was also in the Top 10 in the final Washington Post rankings. Tom made a difference and was a great factor in all that success.
And he was no less brilliant on the baseball diamond: He had played as first base and designated hitter for two years, and his junior year saw him as an integral player in a team that lost only two games yet won the 1983 Virginia State Catholic Championship. His senior year saw him as team captain, commanding leadership up front. He was not just playing but leading his teammates.
Tom's achievements also spilled into other non-sporty areas. In 1984, he was honored as the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was placed in the National Honor Society. Excelling in academics along with sports is a huge achievement, and Tom did just that.
After high school, Tom received other offers from schools like the Naval Academy and William & Mary but decided to attend Brown University. He continued playing football there, starting as a guard during the first year and working his way into a center position during his sophomore year. The knee injuries eventually ended his days as a player, but Tom kept the action close to him by assuming the team's videographer responsibilities. He videoed all the moments of practices and games, showing his commitment to the sport, even from the sidelines.
Tom graduated from Brown with double majors in Political Science and Organizational Behavior & Management. His eventual success at O'Connell and Brown in balancing academics with athletics belied the hard work and commitment needed to achieve that success.
The story of Tom Reilly is one of excellence in many fields, from his work on both the football and baseball teams at Bishop O'Connell to his continued football involvement at Brown.