Late last month, the Santa Clara community lost one of its brightest stars in Craig Connelly. The legendary Lions coach was as dedicated to Santa Clara youth as anyone the city has ever seen. Connelly first took over the program as a teenager in 1968 and led it until his passing; he was 76.
Underneath his long flowing locks and Gandalf-the-Grey style beard was a man whom—when he wasn’t showing the heart of a lion—was walking around with a heart of gold. When The Voice reached out to speak with those who knew him, there was an endless amount of community members eager to share their love for the man they adored.
“He’s been doing it for 60 years, the offseason, the rainy season, he’s out there mowing the lawn, he was just so dedicated. My son Kai wouldn’t be the player he is today without Craig.” -Greg Imahara
“Craig made sure [our daughter Ava] was taken care of, had everything she needed. He would always talk to her, encourage her cuz she was obviously scared with all the boys.” -Katrina Imahara
“Craig’s biggest skill was to help his players realize and reach their potential. He had a bunch of different ways of doing it. He helped them dream even bigger than they thought they could dream. He instilled in them the confidence they could achieve that. He did it for me and he did it for thousands of others.” -Conor Dunn
“His passion for these kids was unbelievable. Any kid, every kid. He talked with the littlest of kids, to the biggest of kids. Every player that got geared up, they got their shoulder pads and their helmet put on and fitted by Craig. Nobody got a helmet without Craig doing it.” -Roger Young
“I was coaching a National Championship, and we beat the top team in the nation that was favored by a lot. The first person I called from over there in Florida, it wasn’t my dad, it wasn’t my wife, my son, nor my mom, it was Coach Craig. And just to let him know. I teared up when I called him. If it wasn’t for him teaching me how to coach, we never would have won that game. He didn’t say he was proud of people too often, but on the other side of that phone call, I knew he was, and then he told me he was proud of me. That just made it for me, that’s a story nobody knows, but I’m willing to share it because he taught me the game.” -Emmit Palacios.
Multiple Lions alum who spoke with The Voice also mentioned that their mentor made sure his program always had the lowest fees, that money was never an issue, if a child wanted to play, they were welcome no matter what.
Craig is survived by his wife, Linda Connelly, and his son, Tony Connelly. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, July 12, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Townsend Field. The burial will be on Monday, July 14 at 12:00 p.m. at Mission City Memorial Park. For both events, attendees are encouraged to wear their Lions gear, with casual attire encouraged as an alternative.
I was part of the Lions staff from 1990 to 2000. I’m a firm believer that you can never stop learning. I learned from Coach that everyone is unique,from adults to children. One of his many qualities is that he made you feel like you were part of something. It didn’t matter what part of the Legend that you participated in, what mattered, is that you were part of the Legend. He was a gift from heaven to the youth and adults to the community of Santa Clara.
R.I.P. Coach
A Brother’s Love III
Just to read all of the personal word’s and memories shared has filled my heart with even more love for my brother. Craig was truly one of a kind, a true titan, a legend that will live on through those of you that Craig touched. Thanks to all of you.