James R. McKenna - 1950
Jim was as tough as they come; one ofthe most physical athletes in school history and one
of its fiercest competitors.
His toughest opponent was dreaded polio, which struck him in the fall of his Junior year
and threatened to end his athletic career. His courageous battle against the disease, and
ultimate return to football as team MVP in his Senior year is one ofthe great stories in
Concord sports, and an inspiration to his family and teammates. His 1949 team was
undefeated and Tun was named to a coveted spot in the Harry Agannis All Star Game in
the Lynn Bowl.
When football was over he picked up a basketball and played to All Middlesex honors. He
was also an All Middlesex baseball player while simultaneously running outdoor track
under Skip O'Connor in his junior and senior years.
Jim's high school success led to a football scholarship at S1. Bonaventure College, where
he started at defensive back for three years and was lucky enough to play with Ted
Marchibroda and five other future NFL players. He was also privileged to play against the
likes of Johnny Unitas and Don Shula.
After college he became a successful teacher/coach at Littleton High School and retired as
Athletic Director. His coaching success led him to be named to the Massachusetts High
School Coaches Hall ofFame. He and his wife Martha live in Littleton. They have eight
children, Shawn, Dennis, Martha, Julia, Nora, Sheila, Theresa, and Timothy, plus twelve
zrandchildren
