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Patrick J. McNelis
Class of 1986 Athlete  Pat Mcnelis stands out as one of the finest student-athletes to graduate from Harrisonburg High School. He performed at a high level in three sports as a Blue Streak, starting two years in basketball, three years in football and four years in track.In basketball he was the starting forward/center who did the “dirty jobs” like rebounding and setting picks for others. In football, Pat was a three year starter at center where he won All-District and Regional honors as a senior and was selected to play in the Coaches’ All-Star Game after his senior year. It was in track where Pat excelled. He was a four year letterman and won district, regional and state honors in the discus and shotput and well as all-district in the high hurdles. Pat set numerous school and event records in the discus and shotput, breaking some records that had stood for many years. He continues to hold the school record in the discus at 165 feet, 5”. Aside from athletics, Pat was a member of the National Honor Society for four years and his senior year was publicly honored for his academic and athletic abilities by the Harrisonburg City School Board. After graduation from HHS, Pat was appointed to the U.S. Air force Academy. He played football all four years for the Air Force and upon graduation in 1990 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served as an F-15 pilot and retired after 20 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. |