Beloit College

In Football, every top running back depends on a strong offensive line to clear a path for big yardage.  And every strong offensive line needs an anchor to lead the way.  For four seasons, John Fitzpatrick, the team’s center, was that anchor for the Buccaneer Football squad.  A four-year starter and three-time First Team All-Conference player, he helped lead Beloit to three straight Midwest Conference North Division titles and a 29-10 record over his four seasons.  The Bucs’ rushing attack during his four seasons is unequalled in the Beloit record book, totaling over 10,000 yards on the ground, including a still-record 309.9 yards per game in 1990.  Fitzpatrick was the team’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989 and then, as a senior in 1992, was a team captain, the team’s Blocker of the Year and the Coach Carl Nelson Team Player of the Year.  He also received the Janssen Award as a junior and was a Beloit College Blanket recipient at the end of his senior year.  His leadership qualities continued after graduation.  He has been the Assistant Principal at Locke School in the Chicago Public Schools for 12 years and manages and coaches his two children’s softball, baseball and football teams.  He is also on the Board for the Oriole Park Baseball/Softball Association, which serves over 1,300 players.