Richard "Okie" O'Connor was the head coach of cross country and track at Worcester State College for 17 years from 1969 through 1983, compiling an amazing 205 wins. Okie's cross country team went 77-37 while his track team had a record of 128-65.

He was a well known and respected coach in the New England track and field circles and his track team won the State College Outdoor Championships in 1972 and 1976. His cross country team went undefeated, 10-0, in 1970 while his track team logged an undefeated 7-0 record in 1971. Okie coached three NCAA Division III All Americans during his tenure.

The term "coach" still applies to Okie today.