Johnny Donnelly, a fan, was inducted into the TTU Hall of Fame posthumously. He lost his battle with muscular dystrophy on October 12, 1998 at the age of 15, but not before leaving a lasting imprint on the Tech athletic program and a personal impact on the dozens of athletes’ lives.

“Honoring fans with an induction in the Hall of fame is an unusual practice,” explained Jeff Roberts, one of several people who wrote letters in support of Johnny’s nomination. “Rarely, if ever, is a fan chosen for distinction…because distinguishing the truly ‘outstanding fan’ is difficult.”

Described as an exemplary fan and a very special individual, Johnny was a constant figure on the sidelines during the past decade.

“Johnny was totally immersed in Tech athletic events,” said former basketball coach Frank Harrell, who first allowed the young fan to sit on the bench with his team during the 1988-89 season.

“The first time Johnny was invited to sit with our team was our being nice to a fan,” said Harrell. “The last hundreds of times he joined our team was out of our need for the inspiration he provided all of us.”

“Johnny affected every player in a more positive way than any coach ever could,” Harrell added.

A number of Tech players, past and present, also wrote in support of Johnny’s Hall of Fame nomination:

“I’m writing on behalf of Johnny’s tireless dedication to Tech’s basketball team,” said Greg Bibb. “One of my most vivid memories is coming to the bench and seeing Johnny cheering us on every minute of every game.”

“This young man was an inspiration in my life,” stated Ricky Cabrera.

“I first met Johnny when he was five years old,” writes Wade Wester. “As I grew and matured, so did Johnny. He did not just support the team, he was a part of the team.”

Former Tech President Angelo Volpe called Johnny “Tech’s Number One Fan”.

“While Muscular dystrophy may have encumbered his body, it did not for one moment keep his heart and his spirit from soaring with the Eagles,” Volpe said.

Even first-year basketball coach Jeff Lebo quickly sensed Johnny’s contributions to the Golden Eagles: “He was a special young man who never let his handicap touch his human spirit.”

One year before his induction, Johnny was in his familiar role, patrolling the sidelines of Tucker Stadium in his motorized wheelchair as the Golden Eagles hosted Southeast Missouri. Four days later, he died during high-risk surgery to relieve pressure on his heart and lungs caused by MD. A week after that, when the Golden Eagles snapped a 22-year losing streak against Eastern Kentucky by claiming a triple-overtime victory, Coach Mike Hennigan and his players presented the game ball to Johnny’s parents, John and Marty.

“In defeat, Johnny’s words of consolation helped lift spirits,” said Jeff Roberts. “In victory, there was something truly special about the smiles that burst across his face – smiles which made the moment all the sweeter for everyone involved.”

With his death, the contributions of many in his name established the Johnny Donnelly Memorial endowed scholarship in athletics. In addition, the Tech Tennis program established the Johnny Donnelly Maverick Award, an annual honor given to a player recognizing their determination.

“Johnny could never be a player, but there has never been a fan more true to Tech athletics,” wrote Harrell. “More than loving Tech sports, he loved Tech’s players. And they loved him back.”