THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 3, 1996 TAG: 9605030728
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
After a 22-year absence, one of the area's all-time great football coaches has returned to the sport.
Billy O'Brien, 67, on Tuesday was named head coach of the Hampton Roads Sharks minor-league football team - replacing Red Stickney, who resigned for health reasons.
From 1955 to 1974, O'Brien was one of South Hampton Roads' most colorful and successful coaches, compiling a 146-45-10 record - including five unbeaten seasons - at Great Bridge High School.
O'Brien retired from coaching in 1975 to pursue a career in politics. He served 18 years in the Virginia House of Delegates.
``Football's been awfully good to me,'' said O'Brien. ``There are probably some things I've forgotten, but my whole life was dedicated to coaching football. When I saw the job was open, I called and decided I would like to take the opportunity to give some more back to the sport I love.
``I think I still have a few third downs left in me.''
O'Brien's love for coaching was fostered as a youngster at Wilson High in Portsmouth - coaching area youth league teams.
O'Brien's start as a player came as a sophomore end for the Presidents, who won a state championship his senior year in 1947.
``I skipped school 38 times as a freshman, and when I tried out for the football team, the coach made us go to school,'' he said. ``I don't know where I'd be now if it wasn't for that.''
O'Brien earned a scholarship at North Carolina and played mostly on special teams, although he saw some time at defensive and offensive end. After graduating in 1952, he served two years in the Marines before going to Great Bridge, where he was named the area's high school coach of the year in 1969.
In the House, he played major roles in the passing of the State Lottery bill and a bill to start personalized license plates.
``We had 12 candidates for the job but really felt Mr. O'Brien would be a real asset to the Sharks,'' team president T.J. Morgan said. ``He has a great background in coaching and he is extremely recognized in the community.
``We're very excited to have him with us.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Former Del. Billy O'Brien coached at Great Bridge from 1955-74.
by CNB