The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Bill O’Neal: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Bill ONeal: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

For the class of 2014, this school year represents the end of our beginnings. For English teacher and assistant football coach Bill O’Neal, the end of this school year represents the beginning of the end. After teaching and coaching at Parkway West High for the last 29 years, O’Neal has decided to retire at the end of May 2014.

O’Neal has established himself with an unparalleled respect with the students. Whether you know him though his lectures of wisdom in his English class or working with him on the football and baseball fields, the man has likely had some sort of impact in your life. During home football games, the student section even chants: Bill O’Neal! Bill O’Neal!

“It’s one of those things that’s both flattering and embarrassing at the same time,” O’Neal said. “I don’t know why they do it, but I do appreciate the support.”

Over the years, O’Neal has coached for both the football and baseball programs. In doing so, he has created unique relationships with the students and coaches alike.

“I’ve always looked at coaching as an opportunity to get to know students outside of school. I enjoy the company of both the players and coaches,” O’Neal said. “It’s a valuable way to spend time after school.”

O’Neal’s has seen it all when it comes to Parkway West sports. From nearly winning a state championship with the baseball team in 1990 to coaching future professionals, he holds a wide array of memorable moments with students.

“My favorite memory is when we beat Hazelwood East at football after they defeated SLUH the week before. At the time, SLUH was a top ranked team and Hazelwood East was No. 1 in the state. We were unranked,” O’Neal said.

The seniors of the 2014 football team also share O’Neal’s final year with Parkway West football. They are the last group of students to have O’Neal as a coach for all four years.

“They’re a great group of guys. We went through four tough years, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that they’re resilient,” O’neal said. “If I would have to go to war with anybody, it would be those guys because I know they have my back.”

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Bill O’Neal: The Man, The Myth, The Legend