Augustana University Athletics

A sudden impact is the best way to describe Bill O'Connor's transition from high school to college football.

Power, balance and endurance made him one of the outstanding running backs in Lincoln High School's gridiron history. His physical talent combined with a mental toughness made O'Connor an instant contributor to Augustana's program.

He led the Vikings in rushing each of his four seasons as a starting running back. The 2,820 yards he gained during his career with the Vikings added him to the school's all-time rushing chart.

During his senior season O'Connor set a school single-game record when he carried the ball 37 times against South Dakota State University. The record stood for a decade.

For his four seasons of varsity competition O'Connor averaged 4.5 yards a carry. He was Augustana's leading scorer for two seasons and in 1978 was named to the all-North Central Conference team.