Saint Francis University Athletics Hall of Fame
Father Jack O’Malley preceded his priesthood by leading the Red Flash to a 52-22 record in three seasons as a standout point guard, including back-to-back 20-5 seasons.
He lettered from 1956-59, and was a member of the Saint Francis National Invitation Tournament (NIT) men’s basketball team that faced Fordham at Madison Square Garden. Fr. O’Malley led the Red Flash in assists all three seasons in Loretto, and finished with 791 points (11.0 ppg) and 422 rebounds (5.9 rpg) in three seasons.
He was well known as a clutch player and served as the team captain during the 1958-59 season. Fr. O’Malley helped Saint Francis win the Carousel Tournament in 1958, and earlier in the season hit a pair of free throws with no time remaining to help the Red Flash defeat in-state rival Duquesne, 65-64. It was a win that helped Saint Francis get into the NIT. Fr. O’Malley is the only Saint Francis men’s basketball player to become a priest.
Saint Francis University is proud to honor Fr. Jack O’Malley with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Saturday, February 5, 2011.
