West Liberty, W.Va. - Few individuals have left a more lasting mark on West Liberty University athletics than Robert "Bo" McConnaughy. A two-sport star who became one of the most successful and longest-tenured coaches in Hilltopper history, McConnaughy's legacy spans nearly six decades—as a student-athlete, professional baseball player, coach, mentor, and ambassador for the Hilltopper family.

Sport(s) Played/Coached at West Liberty

McConnaughy was a standout in both basketball and baseball during his time as a student-athlete. He later returned to coach men's and women's basketball, track, and baseball, while also overseeing the university's Intramural Program for 10 years.

Major

B.A. in Physical Education, with a minor in Social Studies.

Years at West Liberty

McConnaughy originally attended West Liberty from 1966–1970, signing with the Baltimore Orioles during his senior year. He returned to campus in 1980 to complete his degree, graduating in May 1982.

What He's Doing Now

In retirement, McConnaughy remains active in the Ohio Valley sports community. He works with Wheeling Recreation Department Baseball Camps, provides private hitting lessons, and plays pickleball. He also serves as president of the Elm Grove Civics and is the co-founder and director of the Beast of the East Baseball Tournament, now in its 38th year.

Favorite West Liberty Memories

• Winning the Golden Valley Tournament as a freshman and earning MVP honors
   

• Winning the National Basketball Hall of Fame Tournament, again being named MVP
   

• Completing his degree in 1982 and being named Head Baseball Coach, a role he held for 35 seasons
   

• Winning six consecutive WVIAC championships, multiple postseason tournaments, and advancing to the 1990 NAIA College World Series
   

• Meeting his wife, Kim, while finishing his degree—married now for 45 years and raising two sons
   

Advice to Current Athletes and Students

"Make your college years enjoyable; although education is the ultimate goal, have fun! Get involved with campus activities and clubs; make friends and take part in things outside of the classroom."

What It Means to Be a West Liberty Alum

McConnaughy describes his connection to WLU as a lifelong bond.
"Being an alum means creating a family—teammates, friends, fellow coaches—and having the opportunity to network. I had an outstanding and memorable college experience that opened so many rewarding doors in my life."

Most Influential Coaches and Teammates

McConnaughy credits legendary WLU coaches—Edgar Martin, Tom Ackerman, Ted Mattern, Dave Waples, and Charlie Campanizzi—for shaping him not only as an athlete, but as a person.

He also fondly remembers a tight-knit group of teammates who "learned to win and lose together," including Nick Fuscardo, Tom Fato, Ken Campanizzi, Joe Doerr, Steve Wojcik, Bob Bero, Harley West, Dave Forgash, Mike Young, John Magistro, Gay Lucci, Jay Duffy, and Gerry Craft, among others.

A Legacy Etched in Hilltopper History

A first-team All-WVIAC shortstop and 1,500-point scorer in basketball, McConnaughy still holds West Liberty's single-game assist record (19). After being drafted by the Orioles in 1970 and spending four years in professional baseball, he returned home—and changed the course of Hilltopper athletics.

As head baseball coach, McConnaughy guided West Liberty to seven WVIAC North Division titles, five conference championships, five NAIA Area 7 tournament appearances, and a historic trip to the 1990 NAIA World Series. He also led WLU to its first-ever NCAA Division II Regional berth in 1998.

Across 30 seasons, he coached

• 54 first-team All-WVIAC players
   

• 4 WVIAC Pitchers of the Year
   

• 2 WVIAC Players of the Year
   

• 2 All-Americans
   

• 5 MLB draft picks and numerous free-agent signees
   

His impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond, including a seven-year stint as head women's basketball coach and assistant roles in multiple sports.

Inducted into the WLU Hall of Fame (1988) and the OVAC Hall of Fame, McConnaughy is universally recognized as one of the most influential figures in Hilltopper athletics.

Still a Hilltopper at Heart

Upon retiring from coaching, McConnaughy reflected on his journey:
"I consider myself extremely fortunate to have made a living doing something I loved. It never seemed like a job to me."

For thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and community members, Bo McConnaughy remains the embodiment of what it means to be a Hilltopper—competitive, committed, humble, and proudly tied to the Hilltop.