John McConathy
John R. McConathy | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 April 1930 Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | 19 April 2016 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Basketball player, educator, insurance agent |
| Years active | 1951–1952 (basketball), later educator and agent |
| Known for | Professional basketball player for Milwaukee Hawks; superintendent of Bossier Parish schools |
John R. McConathy (April 9, 1930 – April 19, 2016) was an American basketball athlete and educator originating from Bienville Parish, Louisiana. After an impressive collegiate tenure at Northwestern State, where he received All-American recognition, he was selected in the 1951 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals. McConathy went on to compete professionally with the Milwaukee Hawks during the 1951–52 NBA season, participating in 11 games and averaging 1.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per contest.
Background
Born in the rural community of Sailes near Gibsland within Bienville Parish, McConathy maintained agricultural roots through managing a farm in his hometown.
Career
During his time at Northwestern State, McConathy distinguished himself not only in basketball but also in track and field events. Following a short stint in professional basketball, he transitioned into education administration, initially working for the Bienville Parish School Board before moving to the Bossier Parish School Board. As head coach of Bossier High School’s basketball team, he guided them to a state championship title in 1960. Serving as superintendent of Bossier Parish schools from 1972 until 1983, he played an instrumental role in establishing Bossier Parish Community College. His son, Mike McConathy, later coached basketball at that college from 1983 to 1999 before accepting a coaching position at Northwestern State University.
Upon concluding his tenure as superintendent, McConathy embarked on a nearly twenty-year career as an agent with New York Life Insurance Company. Additionally, he was a founding director and long-serving chairman of Citizens National Bank’s board of directors, maintaining his involvement until his passing.
Personal life and death
McConathy was married to Corene Floyd (born March 1933) and fathered four children: Mike McConathy and his wife Connie residing in Natchitoches; Bill and Anne from Haughton; Pat and Suanne living in Bossier City; and Melinda Guest with her husband Greg also based in Bossier City. The family included eleven grandchildren. He was actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Bossier City. McConathy passed away peacefully during sleep at age eighty-six. His funeral service took place on April 23 at First Baptist Bossier, led by Pastors Brad Jurkovich and Justin Haigler, followed by interment at Williamson Cemetery located in Sailes.
NBA
Source
Regular season
| Year | Team | GP | MPG | FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Milwaukee Hawks | 11 | 9.6 | .138 | .429 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.3 |