The late Conway Public Schools board member and board president John McConnell is the namesake of the Conway High School football stadium. A prominent Conway business, McConnell owned several companies but always gave his undivided attention to Conway Public Schools. He served on the school board for 16 years, including 11 years as president. As a board member, McConnell was closely involved in the planning and construction of the stadium, which was originally built in 1975. The 1993 AAAA-Central Champion Wampus Cats were the first team to play in John McConnell Stadium. McConnell’s mission was to enhance the quality of education in Conway, a legacy he left to his children and grandchildren, who attended Conway Public Schools.