Hobart College senior offensive lineman Patrick O'Connell III will be the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award at the 14th annual Happiness House Gala Dinner and Auction Event on Friday, Feb. 3 at Belhurst Castle.
 
For the past three years, O'Connell has organized the football team's annual Tackles & Touchdowns for Happiness House fundraiser. Tackles & Touchdowns asks fans to pledge a donation based on the number of tackles or touchdowns scored by the Statesmen during the game. In addition to the game, members of the team make an annual visit to Happiness House, playing games and reading to the children in the preschool program.
 
Tackles & Touchdowns was started by Jarrid Blades '12 in 2010. Over the past seven seasons, the event has raised more than $41,000 for Happiness House.
 
O'Connell will be the third Hobart offensive lineman to win the Happiness House Volunteer for the Year Award, joining Blades (2012) and Michael Green '14 (2014).
 
O'Connell was voted by his teammates to serve as a team captain for the 2016 season. He was unable to play due to a shoulder injury. Despite his injury, O'Connell remained a leader on the sidelines and in the locker room. He played in 27 career games, starting 21. He was a two-time All-Liberty League second team selection.
 
An economics major, O'Connell is an all-star in the classroom as well. He earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors in 2014 and 2015 and was a two-time Liberty League All-Academic selection.
 
"Patrick has battled adversity and injury over the past year, but never faltered in his leadership or dedication to his teammates," Offensive Coordinator Jon Drach said. "He's always willing to give his time and energy to those in need. He's a perfect example of what it means to be a Statesman."
 
Proceeds from the Happiness House Gala Dinner and Auction Event benefit Ability Partners Foundation in support of the programs and services of CP Rochester, Happiness House, and Rochester Rehabilitation.