Quincy University Hawk Soccer

HAWKS WIN SOCCER BOWL XV WITH EPIC VICTORY!

2008-08-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

On Sunday night 8/31 the Soccer Hawks smashed Oakland City University 6-1 in a match they had to win, and one they also had to win big. Entering the 7:30 PM contest the Hawks knew if they wanted to win Soccer Bowl they’d have to win by a least 5 goals, a tough chore against any opponent. The reason the Hawks had to score so much was that earlier that day UMSL had beaten Saginaw Valley 6-1 and that result coupled with UMSL’s 3-0 win over Oakland the day before put the Triton’s at a +8 in the goal differential tie breaker category should they and the Hawks both finish the weekend with 2-0-0 records. The Hawks had to win and to earn the trophy they had to secure at least a + 9 goal differential. With their 4-0 win over Saginaw Valley on Saturday and the thrilling 6-1 defeat of Oakland the Hawks DID IT.

To make the Oakland City game even more difficult he Hawks had to go into it without the services of their most consistent scorer, Grant Ellison who pulled a hamstring after notching one of his electrifying goals during the first half of QU’s win over Saginaw. Grant sat out the second half of that Saturday match and was not available at all for Sunday’s game. Knowing that Grant wouldn’t be the spark on this night his teammates picked up the slack and unleashed a torrid attack on City’s goal right from the outset and got three exciting, courageous, head ball scores in the first half. Jack Wedemeier banged in a header off a Mike DiSalvo corner kick in the 27th minute. Then Wedemeier served in a corner kick in the 30th minute that Justin Bower nodded in. Just before half time Steve Miller drove a long free kick into the City box that Bane Isailovic rose high to head in. It is quite unusual to get 3 head ball goals in one game let alone to notch 3 in one half.

The second half opened with the Hawks coming out firing on all cylinders and Andy Kling scoring his first Hawk goal ever kicking on a corner kick served into him by Jack Wedemeier making the score 4-0 at this point, but still short of the needed 5 goal cushion. At the 80th minute Jake Pittroff notched the sought after 5th score on an assist from Andy Kling, and then three minutes later Bane Isailovic scored his second head ball goal of the game on another wicked free kick served up by Steve Miller giving the Hawks a little cushion at this point…a cushion that was need as Oakland finally got on the scoreboard at the 87th minute on a traffic shot that hit the inside if the far posted and settled over the line. A couple minutes later the game ended and the Hawks were CHAMPIONS!

Saturday’s game with Saginaw Valley that put the Hawks into the Championship chase showed that the Hawks were ready to start the “official” 2008 season as they came out firing and scored twice in the first 10 minutes of action. At the 5 minute mark Jayme Groark notched the opener after picking up a loose ball in the Valley penalty area and slotting it home from close range. Grant Ellison scored at the 10 minute mark after he outraced a defender to a loose ball and then beat him with a move on the end line and fired away at goal. Grant’s initial shot was blocked but Grant followed up and beat everyone to the loose ball and smashed it in. Just before half time Abe Dirnberger scored from close range after receiving a free kick neatly crafted by Kyle Koenig and Steve Miller. Saginaw put up a much stiffer resistance in the second half and kept the Hawks off the board until Jayme Groark scored his second on the night punching a loose ball over the goal line in the 89th minute.

Next up for the Hawks is a tournament over at Truman State in Kirksville (MO) on Friday 9/5 playing against Graceland University (IA) at 4 PM followed up by a Sunday 9/7 match with Incarnate Word University (TX) that begins at 11 AM.

GO HAWKS…KEEP IT GOING!

HAWKS GET WINGS CLIPPED…

2008-08-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, August 26th the Soccer Hawks lost to Lindenwood University 2-1 on the Lions home field. The match, the final tune-up before Soccer Bowl XV this weekend, was fiercely contested. Both teams went at it all out. From the outset, Lindenwood enjoyed the better of the attacking play, constantly pushing the ball deep into the Hawk end of the field and getting off numerous shots. Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman made several very necessary saves and right back Tom Dawson cleared two off the line. The entire back line was under almost constant pressure and Koening, Miller, and Isailovic joined Dillman and Dawson in stopping charge after charge. Against the run of play the Hawks actually scored first at about the 38th minute mark on their first shot on goal of the night. The score came from a long free kick flighted to the Lion’s far post that found Abe Dirnberger there to collect it and slot it home.

The second half saw Lindenwood again enjoying the better of the play but the Hawks still able to hold them off. Dillman had a very busy half and came up with several more excellent saves. Kyle Koenig “biked” one out before it sailed across the Hawk goal line. The Hawks began getting off more shots than in the first half and it looked like they would be able to hold off LU and get away with a 1-0 win. However, disaster struck with about 25 minutes remaining when Bane Isailovic received a red card and had to leave the field. With the Hawks now playing a man down Lindenwood increased the pressure deep in the Hawk end and finally came up with 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to win the game.

With Soccer Bowl coming up 8/30 & 8/31 the Hawks have to rebound from this set back and get ready to soar into the official season against Saginaw Valley on Saturday night and against Oakland City on Sunday night. Both matches are at QU’s North Campus Field and begin at 7:30 PM. Opening games each night begin at 5 PM.

GO HAWKS

HAWKS 3…WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY 1

2008-08-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday, August 20 the Soccer Hawks defeated Washington University 3-1 at North Campus Field in a pre-season scrimmage. The match was a well-played, high-spirited contest that provided a good test for both teams.

The match was scoreless for the first 30 minutes and then QU’s Jake Pittroff played a great lead pass to Grant Ellison who used all his speed to beat the WU keeper to the ball and flick it past him into the net. The Hawks closed out the first half scoring Steve Miller hit a neatly placed free kick over the Bear 4-man wall and into the upper 90 degree angle.

Wash. U. got on the scoreboard midway into the second half when they picked up a loose ball about 35 yards out from the Hawk goal and maneuvered it in for a fairly close shot. QU responded to that pretty quickly when Abe Dirnberger hit a ball that “slithered” under the Bear goal keeper for the final score of the match.

The Hawks next outing will be Tuesday, August 26th at Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) at 7 PM.

GO HAWKS!

HAWKS WIN SECOND MATCH IN GERMANY …

2008-08-11T20:48:00.001-05:00

Just nineteen hours after being defeated 5-2 by the excellent Arminia Bielefeld squad, the Soccer Hawks kicked off against SC Herford and came away with a 7-1 victory. Jayme Groark led the Hawks with two goals while Steve Miller, Jake Pittroff, Grant Ellison, Corey Eatherton, and Jack Wedemeier all notched one. Providing assists were Ryan Hirtz, Kyle Koenig, Jake Pittroff, Dan Merkel, Bane Isailovic, and Jack Wedemeier.

With this match coming so close on the heels of the Bielefeld match it was probably good that the opponent was not very strong as our players had been hard pressed the day before. It also gave a good deal of playing time to a few players who needed increased time on the field to further hone their game.

After about 6 hours of sleep the team begins a three and a half hour bus ride to Frankfurt and then the long flight home with their plane touching down in St. Louis at 6:30 PM Tuesday, August 12. The next activity for the Hawks will be when they re-start practice in Quincy on Thursday at 6:15 PM.

Hawks lose…Play well…Great experience…

2008-08-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

Great Experience

On Sunday, the Soccer Hawks were defeated by Arminia Bielefeld 5-2. Reports from Chris & Carp say the Hawks played very well even though losing by three. The coaches say we will never play another team as good as this one. Arminia Bielefeld is a team in the German Bundesliga, the top professional league in that country. We played their second team, and several members playing against us have at one time or another featured with the first team in that professional league. We faced a very, very good team.

Bielefeld jumped out to a 4-0 league but the Hawks clawed their way back into contention with goals from Grant Ellison and Mike DiSalvo. Ellison’s goal was orchestrated by Branco “Bane” Isailovic’s chip over the top of the defense for Grant to run onto and solo in.

DiSalvo’s goal came about off a free kick awarded to the Hawks in close to the penalty area. Jack Wedemeier lined up behind the ball, and, with intent, drove a wicked blast into a pack of players near the goal. Jack’s blast ricocheted off DiSalvo and into the net. Later Bielefeld tacked on another score to make the final 5-2.

This was expected to be the toughest match of the three on this trip. Even though no one likes losing, the experience gained from competing against a team this good (and hanging in there with them) has got to be beneficial. In setting up this trip it was hoped that one or two of the matches would be against a team or teams of this caliber. The Hawk coaching staff wanted to expose the players to teams with real quality so that they could really experience a higher level of play than they’ve ever encountered… appreciate it…and aspire to trying to reach that level themselves during this 2008 season.

It is quite possible that WGEM-TV will have a story on this on their Sunday night newscast that will most likely come on at 11 PM tonight after the Olympic coverage ends. You can probably catch that story on http://www.wgem.com/ getting into the Sports segment and clicking on the video.

More news will come when I have it.

HAWKS WIN…HAWKS WIN…HAWKS WIN…

2008-08-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

8/7/08

HAWKS WIN…HAWKS WIN…HAWKS WIN… first game in Germany!

After going behind 1-0 ten minutes into the first half the Hawks settled down and began taking the game to their opponent (VFL Holsen) leveling the score at one each with less than ten minutes remaining in the half. The Hawk score was a great combination play featuring Justin Bower clearing out space on the left flank for Steve Miller to overlap into and receive a great through pass from Mike DiSalvo. Miller carried the ball into the 18 and blasted it past the 6’7” German keeper.

The Hawks came out strong at the start of the second stanza and scored right away when Greg Schaeffer carried the ball into the penalty area and hit a shot that was blocked but ran loose until he recollected the ball and scored on his second attempt.

Grant Ellison notched the Hawks third goal when he took a through pass and dribbled inside the 18 and placed a low shot underneath the keeper as he came charging out to confront him.

QU’s fourth score came from a real “pill” hit by Jake Pittroff who, after pushing forward from his midfield position, picked up a ball that had been played behind the German defense and sent it crashing into the net.

Jayme Groark rounded out the Hawk scoring at 5 when he finished off the final pass in another great combination play where Abe Dirnberger played a ball forward to Dan Merkel positioned inside the penalty area with his back to goal and Dan laid the ball into Groark’s path to blast home.

The Hawks second match in Germany will be on Sunday 8/10 against Arminia Bielefeld. While Arminia Bielefeld has a team in Germany’s top professional league the Hawks are scheduled to line up against Bielefeld ’s top amateur side.

Video clips are available at http://www.wgem.com/. Go to Sports and check menu of video clips. Near the top should be “Hawks Off to Fast Start in Germany ” showing two goals being scored. Lower down should be “Hawks arrive in Germany ”. You might want to view these quickly as the menu constantly changes when new clips are added.

GO HAWKS!

QU Hawks in Germany

2008-08-06T21:33:00.005-05:00

QU Hawks Soccer team at Herford City Hall with Mayor Wollbrink (Herford Mayor), Christopher Mackenzie and Mike Carpenter assistant coaches on either side. Other members are Jim Lawrence and German contingent.

The QU Soccer Hawks are experiencing life in Quincy 's Sister City , Herford Germany. The Team arrived Tuesday and will be in Germany for a week to play three exhibition matches.

Today the team had the opportunity to meet County and City officials and learn a little about the area's heritage. They shared gifts with officials and had the opportunity to hear from the county administrator and the Mayor of Herford.

The team spent the morning touring the historic city of Herford . In the afternoon they were on the field practicing for tomorrows first match versus Fow-Ell-Holzen. This is the first time since 1998 the team has had the opportunity to travel overseas for exhibition play when the team traveled to New Castle England.

Another Successful QU Soccer Alumni Golf Outing

2008-07-22T22:46:00.002-05:00

Sorry I’m tardy getting this information out, but hopefully you believe the old saying “better late than never”.

Back on May 16th the QU Soccer Alumni hosted the 5th Annual Golf Shootout. Thirty-two foursomes teed off on an absolutely gorgeous day. If you remember, that was at the time when it seemed to rain every day and rain really hard. Our Golf Committee must have been praying that the “rain gods” slept in on 5/16. Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful event. This is a thoroughly enjoyable day for me, and I believe for all who join in. Thanks to our major sponsors (see pictures), our golfers, and to those who donate items as golf prizes, or as auction or raffle items. Thanks also to Larry Franzoi who has come back from Poway (CA) to play in each of our five events.

Best Wishes To All

SOCCER HAWKS HEADED TO GERMANY!

2008-07-01T16:09:00.001-05:00

7/1/08

Today, Hawk Soccer Coach Jack Mackenzie announced that on August 4th his team will be heading off to Herford, Germany, for early pre-season training and to play three international soccer matches prior to the start of the 2008 fall season. This will be the Soccer Hawks eighth trip abroad since 1971. Opposition on this trip will be provided by VFL Holsen on 8/7, Arminia Bielefeld’s amateur side on 8/9, and SC Herford on 8/11. When asked about these opponents the coach replied “that he expects them to be perhaps the strongest his team will face this year, noting that Germany ranks second only to Brasil in international soccer success”. Eighteen veteran players will make the trip. None of the freshmen for 2008 will travel because they have yet to establish their student residency at QU in compliance with NCAA regulations. Although playing internationally will be a new experience for the majority of the current QU players, the Hawk soccer program is no stranger to foreign competition. The Hawks currently stand at 32-11-17 against international squads.

Arrangements for the trip are being made possible through the collaboration of the Quincy-Herford Sister City program. In Quincy, Mecki Kosin, Jeanine Johnson, and Jim Lawrence have been very helpful with contacts in Herford, and travel arrangements. Lead representative in Herford is Andreas Stuke, VP and Founding Member of the German-American Friendship Society who, along with several colleagues, has arranged for all the local transportation, lodging (in private homes), meals, soccer matches and sight-seeing. Receptions for the team are planned at the Herford County Administration Office with County Chief Administrator Ms. Lieselore Curlander, and at City Hall with Herford Mayor Bruno Wollbrink.

Upon their return from Germany the Soccer Hawks will resume their normal preseason preparations on August 14, and will play home exhibition games on 8/20 versus Washington University (8 PM) and 8/23 versus the Alumni (7 PM). On 8/26 the Hawks will travel to play Lindenwood (7 PM) in St. Charles MO. The home regular season will begin with SOCCER BOWL XV 8/30 and 8/31 with Saginaw Valley State, Oakland City, and UMSL coming to Quincy each night for games at 5 & 7:30 PM.

GO HAWKS…

FOREIGN COMPETITION HISTORY

1968 L…1-2… St. Luke’s (England) at Quincy

1971…Trip to Jerusalem, Israel
L…1-2…YMCA 1st Team
W…3-1…Arab Orthodox
W…5-0…YMCA 2nd Team
W…4-0…Al Ittihad Sports Club
T…1-1…El-Bireh Scouts

1972…Trip to Central America
W…2-1…Guatemala National Juvenile “B”
T…1-1…Guatemala National Juvenile “A”
W…2-1 Catholic University (El Salvador)
W…1-0…Excelsior FC (El Salvador)
W…3-0…Varaguas FC (Panama)
L…0-4…Guardia National (Panama)
W…2-0…National Amateur Select (Panama)

1975…Trip to Holland
W…2-0…DeSpartaans
W…3-0…DeGermaans
W…4-1…Arsenal FC
W…2-1…Quebec Select (Canada)
T…1-1…ODIV
W…2-1…DeGermaans

W…4-2…Universadad de Mackenzie (Brasil) at Quincy

W…1-0…Simon Fraser University (Canada) at NAIA National Tournament

1976…In St. Louis, MO.
T…1-1…Universadad de Mackenzie (Brasil)
W…1-0…Quebec Select (Canada)

L…0-1…Simon Fraser University (Canada) at NAIA National Tournament

1977….T…2-2…Blackpool Tower Lions (England) at Quincy

1978…W…3-2…University of Mexico Automotive (Mexico) at Quincy

1979…Trip to Mexico
T…1-1 San Luis Potosi University
T…3-3…Queretaro University
T…1-1…University of Michocan
T…0-0…Necaxa
W…3-1…Oaxaca

W…5-2…Lodge Vale (England) at Quincy
W…2-1…Blackpool Tower Lions (England) at Quincy

1980…Trip to Scotland
L…0-1…Partick Thistle
T…2-2…Glasgow Celtic Youth
W…3-1…University of Edinburg
L…1-2…Queens Park
L…3-4…Glasgow University
W…3-2…Drumchapel United

L…1-2…British University’s Select (England) at SIU-E
W…1-0…British College’s Select (England) at SIU-E
W…1-0…Simon Fraser University (Canada) at NAIA National Tournament
1981…
W…4-3…Glasgow University (Scotland) at Quincy
1982…
T…1-1…Blackpool Tower Lions (England) at Quincy

1983…
W…5-1…Valur SC (Iceland) at Quincy

1984…
T…0-0…Blackpool Tower Lions (England) at Quincy

1986…
T…1-1…Blackpool Tower Lions (England) at Quincy

1987…
L…1-2…University of Bayreuth (Germany) at Quincy

1990…
T…2-2…Wuerzburg (Germany) at Quincy

1992…Trip to Mexico
W…8-0…Universidad Antonio
T…1-1…Selection Laguna
T…1-1…University of Monterrey
T…1-1…Universidad Nuevo Leon
W…2-0…Universidad Regio Montana
1993…
W…3-0…University of Monterrey (Mexico) at Quincy

1998…Trip to England
L…0-2…Seaham Red Star
L…0-5…Newcastle United Youth
W…5-3…Heaton Stannington
W…3-0…East End Juniors
W…Morpeth Town

Results vs…England… 6-4-4
Arab Teams in Israel…3-1-1
Guatemala… 1-0-1
El Salvador… 2-0-0
Panama… 2-1-0
Holland… 4-0-1
Brasil… 1-0-1
Canada… 4-1-0
Mexico… 5-0-7
Scotland… 3-3-1
Iceland… 1-0-0
Germany… 0-1-1

32-11-17 as of 7/1/08

Soccer Hawks Qualify for NSCAA Team Academic Award

2008-05-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

HAWKS…

GREAT GRADES. Our team GPA is 3.37! We had one at 4.0; 9 at 3.5 or higher; with another 8 between 3.0 & 3.49.

Our Fall ’07 team GPA was 3.052 so our GPA’s for both the Fall & Spring are over 3.0 so we will qualify for the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD for the 5th time in the last 7 years.

Have a good summer. Be ready for a even greater Fall.

SOCCER HAWKS WIN SEVERAL AWARDS…

2008-05-07T15:15:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, May 6, the Mart Heinen Booster Club held its annual Student-Athlete Appreciation Dinner in the Hall of Fame Room. About 300 male and female athletes were present for the event. The Soccer Hawks came away with several honors during the course of the evening.

You probably heard before that the Soccer Team was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award among all male teams during the fall sports season. Last night, the trophy for that honor was formally presented in the presence of the whole athletic department.

Tri-Captain Mike DiSalvo was recognized with the Chi Alpha Sigma certificate for high academic achievement. Last week he was recognized for his successful role in the QU S.I.F.E. Team’s Regional Championship. S.I.F.E. (Students in Free Enterprise) won that competition in Dallas and are now preparing for National Competition.

Tri-Captain Branko “Bane” Isailovic was honored with the team’s HAWK AWARD that recognizes athletes who embody such characteristics as “team player”, “high academic achiever”, “role model”, as well as overcoming adversity to achieve success.

Of all the senior male athletes, Mike Colombo was selected for the St. Francis Award in Honor of Greg Haake. This award is presented to the athlete who best exemplifies the Franciscan values of Quincy University.

Seniors Brad Niemann, and Mike Colombo received commemorative plaques from the Mart Heinen Club as farewell gifts for the great careers they had wearing Hawk uniforms.

And finally, once again, for the 5th time in 6 years, the Men’s Soccer Team won the Athletic Director’s Trophy for the male athletic team on campus with the highest cumulative GPA!

It is indeed A GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK. What makes it great is the terrific bunch of current HAWKS who are carrying on the traditions of the great alumni players who have gone before them. IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK…IT ALWAYS WAS…AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE.

Look for more news in the upcoming weeks.

SOCCER HAWKS COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL SPRING

2008-05-05T11:41:00.002-05:00

On Sunday 5/5 the Soccer Hawks defeated the Metro United U17 Academy team 8-1. When the game was scheduled it was thought that at least some of the Metro Academy’s excellent U18’s would play. However, those players were given the day off. Only the younger Academy squad was used because their coaching staff wanted them to play against some really stiff competition. The Academy team came with some skillful players, however, they all needed to be two years older and pack on an additional 10 to 12 pounds of muscle. Though the score was lopsided, the younger players gave a good account of themselves. And, for the Hawks, even though they were not physically challenged, the game gave them another opportunity to fine-tune their offensive skills of passing, crossing and shooting. On the day, the Hawks moved the ball around very well, created numerous scoring chances, and produced some spectacular goals.

It took the Hawks 20 minutes to finally break down the younger squad. The opening goal came on a nice up-back-through passing combination with Mike DiSalvo and Jayme Groark providing the assist passes and Grant Ellison finishing off the sequence with a great goal.

Four minutes later, Justin Bower launched a driven corner kick that sailed past the far bar where it was met with a great put-back header by Corey Eatherton. Corey’s header sent the ball back across the 6 yard box about chest high and Bane Isailovic blasted it into the net with a full side volley.

Toward the end of the first half Jayme Groark picked up a loose ball and hit a great pass that split the opponent’s defense and found
Grant Ellison streaking in toward goal to finish off QU’s third score of the first half.

At half time the young Metro team got themselves together determined to step up their play in the second half. Right from kick-off they came out hard and caught the Hawks a bit off guard and stuck in their own end under one particular siege. During that siege the Hawks committed a foul near the penalty area. The re-start was a hard shot that rebounded off Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman right onto the foot of an Academy player who knocked in the opening goal of the second half making the score now 3-1 Hawks.

Re-awakened now, the Hawks got serious and surged back quickly. Justin Bower raced down the left sideline and hit a wicked cross that the Academy’s goal keeper dove to try to snatch, but it got away from him, and that rebound was blasted in by Jayme Groark who was racing in trying to get onto the end of Bower’ initial cross pass.

Soon after that, Justin Bower started another play on the left wing and his crossing pass found Jack Wedemeier in front of goal and Jack supplied the lethal finishing touch.

The Hawks sixth goal came when Jayme Groark out hustled a defender to a ball almost going out of bounds on the left sideline, won the ball blowing past the defender. Once free, Jayme played a nice pass into Jack Wedemeier in the middle if the field about 20 yards out from goal. As he received the ball, Jack, who could have tried for a go at goal himself, immediately passed to his right to a totally unmarked Corey Eatherton who came in on an angle and slide the ball into an open net.

The 7th goal came from a cross by Jack Wedemeier onto the foot of a sliding Abe Dirnberger who knocked it into the net.

Almost at the end of time the Hawks racked up their 8th score when Greg Schaeffer played a nice through ball to Jake Pittroff who had broken free of his marker. Jake collected Schaeffer’s pass, beat a defender, and then soloed in and beat the keeper 1 v 1.

The Spring Season is now concluded. The Hawks did a lot to build on the strong team that came together last fall. They finished the Spring competitions with a 4-0-1 record, scoring 17 goals and allowing only two. These games allowed both the defensive and attacking segments of the team to become better coordinated. It is understood that with the exception of the 1-1 tie with SIU-E the other Spring opponents were as not strong as those that will be faced come Fall. It was hoped that the Hawk Spring schedule would include more challenges such as SLU; WIU, Truman. However, those matches could not be worked out. Never-the–less, the Hawks accepted each opponent with respect and went out in each game to use it as an opportunity to build a strong team for Fall 2008.

GO HAWKS…

Merkel's Blast Seals the Deal

2008-04-28T11:18:00.002-05:00

Dan Merkel’s blast from outside the penalty area with 15 minutes remaining “sealed the deal” in last Saturday’s match with the Scott-Gallagher U18’s. “Merk”, a hard-working reserve Hawk forward, picked up a loose ball at the top of the 18 and hit a screamer the SG keeper had no chance to save. The goal was “Merk’s” first for the Hawks and a great reward for all the effort he’s put out over the past three season. The play was nicely started by Jack Wedemeier gaining control of a loose ball in the Hawk end of the field and passing it to outside left midfielder Abe Dirnberger who carried the ball the ball forward a good 40 yards to make a centering pass back to Wedemeier racing down the middle (after his pass) to get himself in scoring position. As Dirnberger’s pass reached Wedemeier he and a SG defender collided and the ball ran free for Merkel to pick up and slot home.

The Hawks kicked off the first half with a lot of energy and were rewarded with a Grant Ellison goal after 15 minutes of play. The play started at midfield with Greg Schaeffer making a great long diagonal pass out behind SG’s left fullback into the open space that Hawk right fullback Tom Dawson was running into. Dawson collected the pass and beat a SG defender at the bye line and started dribbling in towards the goal. After a couple touches Dawson played a ground ball into Ellison’s path and he deflected it into the goal for QU’s opening score.

The score remained 1-0 until 8 minutes into the second half when Grant Ellison picked off a poor goal kick from the Gallaher goalie and drilled it into an open net for his second goal of the game and his 6th of the spring season.

Bane Isailovic scored the Hawk’s third goal of the day with a header at the far post coming off a well-flighted ball from Steve Miller who was taking the re-start free kick after a SG foul over near the left sideline.

All in all Saturday was a fine outing for the Hawks. Their next match is slated for Sunday, May 4th, against the Metro United Academy team from Edwardsville IL. Kick-off is 1:30 PM at QU’s North Campus Field.

GO HAWKS…

Soccer Hawks defeat Hannibal-LaGrange College 3-0

2008-04-23T13:19:00.002-05:00

On a beautiful Tuesday night the Soccer Hawks defeated Hannibal-LaGrange College by the score of 3-0. Corey Eatherton got the Hawks on the scoreboard in just the second minute of the opening half by receiving a great diagonal pass from Grant Ellison and sliding it past HLG's goal keeper (who made several fine saves during the rest of the half). After this opening goal the Hawks played fairly well for about a ten minute stretch, and then sort of faded a bit (something that can’t for sure become a habit).

After the half-time interval the Hawks went out and picked up the level of their play and were rewarded with a goal 8 minutes from kick-off. Once again Grant Ellison was the provider, using his speed to get free on the right flank and then hitting another great diagonal pass to Justin Bower who had sped up the left sideline. Bower collected the pass outside the 18 and after two touches launched an excellent low line drive into the far right corner of the net.

Grant Ellison closed out the scoring with a goal at the 70th minute mark. Jack Wedemeier collected a loose ball around midfield, near the left sideline, looked up and saw Ellison sprinting between two defenders, and chipped a perfect pass into the space for Ellison to run onto. Grant collected the ball and after a couple of dribbles hit a bomb from the left side of the penalty area into the right hand side of the goal.

The closest Hannibal came to scoring was very late in the contest when a Hawk defender was charged with a penalty kick for flattening an HLG player streaking in on goal. However, the resulting spot kick went way over the top of the crossbar.

All in all, this was another good outing for the Hawks. The next game is Saturday 4/26 at Noon at the Scott-Gallagher Complex on the south part of Creve Coeur Mill Rd. in Maryland Heights.
The next Hawk home match is Sunday, May 4th at 1:30 PM with the Metro United Academy team.

FIRE UP QU, FIRE UP! IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK!

QU Hawks Tie SIU-E Cougars 1-1

2008-04-21T08:41:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, April 19th, the Soccer Hawks and the SIU-E Cougars battled to a 1-1 tie at the Scott-Gallagher Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, MO. Each team played well, and each had periods where one was pressuring more than the other. However, each squad only found the “back of the net” once, with both scores coming about midway through the first half. The Cougars got out in front at the 21 minute mark. However, their lead didn’t last long as Grant Ellison picked up a loose ball around the SIU-E penalty area and drilled in an equalizer just 2 minutes later. After that, most of the action was a battle of trying to create chances with most of the game being played between the 18 yard lines.

The Hawks next scheduled game is Tuesday, April 22 at 7 PM at QU’s North Campus Field. However, early weather forecasts are calling for quite a bit of rain Tuesday, so it’s possible that the game may be changed to another day so as not to tear up the playing surface on QU’s home field. IF…IF that game has to be changed every effort will be made to send out a blast e-mail as soon as possible to alert anyone who might be traveling to attend. If you are in doubt as to whether or not the game is “on” call my cell phone # 217-617-1166.

Speaking about playing surfaces…the playing surface at the Scott-Gallagher Complex was the best artificial surface we’ve ever played on. It looked beautiful. It played beautiful. And it “plays well” even when very wet. If all getting this blog would donate $5000 I think we’d have enough to put this in at North Campus Field. Then, we’d never have to cancel a practice or game.

Hawks Win Spring Season Opener 2-0

2008-04-16T20:29:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday night, April 15th, the Soccer Hawks opened their spring season with a 2-0 win over visiting Columbia College. Both teams played pretty well considering it was their first outdoor game since last November. The Hawks were pretty sharp and supplied most of the pressure throughout the whole game. Their first goal came after 12 minutes of the opening stanza when Jayme Groark played a great through ball out in front of a streaking Grant Ellison who carried for a couple dribbles then unleashed a bullet of a shot into the goal. The Hawks second goal came about 16 minutes into the second half when Mike DiSalvo picked off a pass and fed it to Jake Pittroff who then played a 1-2-1-2 passing sequence with Ellison who then notched his second goal of the match.

The next Hawk game will be Saturday, April 19th, at NOON against SIU-E at the Scott-Gallagher Soccer Club Complex located at 2350 Creve Coure Mill Road in Maryland Heights area of St. Louis.

The Hawks return home to play Hannibal-LaGrange College at 7 PM Tuesday 4/22 at North Campus Field.

GO HAWKS…

Hawks Prepare to Kick off the Spring Season

2008-03-26T08:54:00.004-05:00

The QU Soccer Hawks will be starting their spring practice season Monday, March 31st with sessions running four days a week through the end of April. During this time they will also play 5 competitive matches (see schedule). With 18 players returning from a successful fall '07 campaign the Hawk coaching staff hope to use their allotted spring practice sessions and game experiences to mold the squad into a championship contender. Although no publicity releases on our spring games are sent out through newspaper-radio-TV outlets you are welcome to come as a spectator to any of our matches, home or away.

On another topic, you are reminded of the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout taking place on Friday, May 16th at the Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea (IL). It is truly a great event. You are encouraged to join in and play golf that day and mix with those who really love and care for QU Hawk soccer. If you can't make it, consider being a hole sponsor as your way of supporting Hawk Soccer. This is the one team fund raiser event of the year. Your participation will be appreciated. If you need any information or registration forms get back to me at mackejb@quincy.edu and I'll be glad to take care of you.

NOW IS THE TIME OF THE HAWKS.

SOCCER SUCCESS IN 2008: TOP PRIORITY.

SOCCER SUCCESS IN 2008: TOTAL COMMITMENT.

Coach Jack Mackenzie

Spring 2008 Hawk Playing Schedule

Saturday, April 05 VS Maryville Univ. @ Sportport Complex in St. Louis @ 3 PM

Saturday, April 12 VS Hannibal-LaGrange @ QU North Campus Field @ 2 PM

Tuesday, April 15 VS Columbia College @ QU North Campus Field @ 7 PM

Saturday, April 19 VS SIU-E @ Scott-Gallagher Complex in St. Louis @ NOON

Saturday, April 26 VS Scott-Gallagher @ the SG Complex in St. Louis @ NOON

Our games in the St. Louis area are actually in the community of Maryland Heights, near Creve Coeur Lake.

The Sportport Complex is located at 12525 Sportport Rd., just off Creve Coeur Mill Rd.

The Scott-Gallagher Complex is also located in the same general area of Creve Coeur Mill Rd.

From the North-West you can take the Earth City Expressway south to Creve Coeur Mill Rd. and take a right to the fields.

From the Center of St. Louis you can take Dorsett Rd. heading west past Hwy 270 to Marine Rd. and go right on Marine up to Creve Coeur Mill Rd. and then go left.

From the South of St. Louis you can take Olive Street Rd. heading west past Hwy 270 and then take a right onto Creve Coeur Mill Rd. to the fields.

Get Your Foursome Together!!!

2008-02-13T19:19:00.003-06:00

All QU Alumni, Families, and Friends of the University are invited to the 5th Annual QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout on Friday, May 16th, 2008, at the Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea, IL (3700 Old Collinsville Road, Swansea, IL. (618) 277-3700 Approximately 15 minutes east of the St. Louis Arch).

10am: Registration and Lunch. Noon: Tee-Off (4 person scramble, shotgun start). 5pm: Dinner and Awards Presentation.

Cost: $100 per golfer. $400 per foursome. If you're not a golfer, but want to take part in the dinner and social, the cost is $25.

E-mail Coach Jack Mackenzie at mackejb@quincy.edu for a registration form. Please provide your full home address in your e-mail so we can mail you the necessary forms.

For additional information, contact any of the golf committee members: Jim Eagan ('75): Jim.Eagan@wwt.com, Erv Pesek ('71): Ervpesekjr@aol.com, Bob Hanson ('79): Hansonentrprise@aol.com

All Proceeds Go To Support The QU Men's Soccer Program.

Niemann and Isailovic Make All-Region Team

2007-12-18T11:51:00.000-06:00

12/17/07

Quincy University has just learned that Brad Niemann and Branko "Bane" Isailovic have been selected to the 2007 All-Great Lakes Region Men's Soccer Team announced by the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association ofAmerica).

Niemann, a Senior, was selected to the Second Team, and Isailovic, a Junior, was chosen to the Third Team. Both had previously been named to the All-GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference) Second Team. Niemann, a Tri-Captain, QU's second leading scorer with 6 goals and 6assists from his Center Midfield position, had previously chosen as QU's Most Valuable Player during his final campaign with the Hawks. Isailovic, also a Tri-Captain, was previously honored as QU's Best Defenderfor the second year in a row for his stellar play in the center of the Hawk backfield. With one more season of eligibility remaining, he will return to lead the Hawks in their 2008 Fall season.

QU Wraps Up Season At Awards Banquet

2007-12-03T13:24:00.000-06:00

12/3/07 Sunday, December 2nd, brought an official end to the HAWKS 2007 season with the Awards Luncheon in the QU Hall of Fame Room. The team, and several sets of parents, siblings, and grand parents enjoyed a very nice meal, after which, Coach Mackenzie expressed a number of deserving thank-yous, and then summed up the 2007 season as quite a successful comeback from a sub-par '06 campaign. In his talk, Coach Mackenzie noted that the HAWKS 12 wins were 7 more than the previous season, and that their 4th place GLVC finish was 5 spots higher than in '06, each a significant achievement. He attributed the successful season to the determination, leadership, and loyalty of the 13 squad members returning from the stressful '06 season coupled with the infusion of new "life", energy, speed, and talent of 9 incoming freshman, noting that the two groups blended together very well to form a true TEAM.

Although all 22 squad members contributed to the successful '07 campaign, a few were singled out in votes by their peers for individual awards:

Abe Dirnberger, a freshman from Notre Dame HS in Cape Girardeau (MO), was selected for the Most Improved Player Award. Abe came to the HAWKS as sort of an unknown, but diligently worked his way into playing time and saw that time increase over the 16 games he saw action in, allowing him to score 1 game-winning assist (in OT) and 1 game winning goal.

Jack Wedemeier, also a freshman from Cape Notre Dame, was selected as the Rookie of the Year for his outstanding play in 18 games. Jack scored 6 goals (3 game-winners) and had one assist and showed great skill and composure while in possession of the ball. Jack started 13 times at the striker position and also was versatile enough to play out wide at left wing.

Brad Niemann from Notre Dame HS, Quincy (IL), received the Silver Boot Award as the team's second-leading scorer (6 goals & 6 assists) with 18 points. One of Brad's goals was a game-winner. All of his offensive points came while playing in the difficult Center Midfield position that often requires playing some more defense than offense.

Jayme Groark from CBC HS, St. Louis (MO), won the Gold Boot Award as the team's highest point maker with his 20 points coming on 8 goals and 4 assists. One of Jayme's goals was a game-winner. Jayme's total points would surely have been higher if he hadn't had to miss 4 matches due to injury. Jayme, QU's starting striker, also helped the HAWKS offensively with his ability to "hold" on to the ball to allow time for the rest of the team to catch up with the attack.

Branko "Bane" Isailovic, from Belgrade Serbia, was selected at the HAWKS Best Defender for the second year in a row. As one of the team's Tri-Captains "Bane" anchored the defense from his Center Back position. In each and every game he exhibited leadership, rugged challenges on every air ball in his vicinity, tough tackles, and smart distribution when in position of the ball.

Brad Niemann earned top accolades as QU's Most Valuable Player for his terrific senior season at Center Midfield. Brad played almost every minute of every game because of the quality of his performance and due to his tremendous physical fitness. As a team Tri-Captain, Brad led by his example of total commitment to always give 100% every moment on the field, and by placing the welfare of the team before his own. He will be missed in 2008!

Yes, the 2007 season was successful, and enjoyable. With most of the squad returning for the '08 campaign the future looks bright. However, in his closing remarks, Coach Mackenzie told the squad, "what ever effort we put into the 2007 season... that effort... and MORE... will be needed in 2008 if we hope to win a GLVC Championship and earn an NCAA bid. He said, we can't rest on what we've done. We have to work harder."

After Double Overtime, QU Comes Up Short On PKs

2007-10-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

SHOT DOWN IN PK SHOOTOUT...

On Sunday, October 28th our QU Hawks played a terrific soccer match with the Rockhurst Hawks. The two teams battled, and I mean BATTLED, through the regular 90 minute game plus another 20 minutes of "SUDDEN VICTORY"overtime... and still the game was knotted at 0-0. The game surely wasn't one of those ho-hum scoreless affairs as both teams had several very good chances to score. Why didn't they? Both goal keepers made great saves. A couple balls got cleared off the line by field players backing up the keeper. And at least one post took a hit to prevent a score. So there was a lot of action around the goal mouth. However, the real action took place all over the field with: players racing to be first to those 50-50 balls rolling free; banging into each other as they dueled for supremacy of the air; dishing out, and also withstanding the many crunching tackles laid on...and all the while showing great dribbling and passing combinations to set up the scoring chances. Sunday's game was a real contest, not one for the faint of heart for sure. Both teams should be commended for their all out commitment to win. When the 20 minute "SUDDEN VICTORY" overtime failed to produce a winner the game was over and each team was credited with a tie. Because one of the two teams had to advance on to the semi-finals of this upcoming weekend's GLVC Tournament a PK Shootout was held to determine which team would move forward. Rockhurst won the Shootout scoring 5 PK's to QU's 3 thus allowing them to move on in the Tournament with a record of 11-5-3, while bringing to an end QU's fine season with a 12-4-3 mark. All QU fans should be proud of this 2007 version of the Soccer Hawks. Theyplayed very committed soccer. They exhibited the courage and "heart" to come from behind on several occasions to either pull out a win, or at least a tie. They showed flair throughout the season by scoring some sensational goals. They truly represented the University, its students and alumni, their parents and fans very well. And what's really exciting about this 2007 team is that it is so young, with only two players closing out their collegiate career. A great nucleus returns for next season. With our current players gaining another year of maturity, more physical strength, and an even greater cohesiveness, the addition of a few more quality recruits should put the team in position to really have a breakout year in 2008. Yes, IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK... AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

Good Weekend Earns Soccer Hawks Home Field Play-Off Match

2007-10-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

HAWKS SECURE #4 SPOT IN GLVC

By tying Indy on Friday 2-2, and defeating St. Joe on Sunday 2-0, the Hawks earned the #4 Seed in the GLVC Conference Tournament and a home match with #5 seed Rockhurst this coming Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 PM. This QU-RU match will follow our Lady Hawk match with the Rockhurst Women that starts at Noon. Looks to be a BIG soccer day this Sunday in Quincy. Hope many of you can make the game.

On Friday (10/19) the Hawks got off to a really good start in their match with the University of Indianapolis, playing well throughout the opening half. At the 33rd minute mark senior, Co-Captain Brad Niemann raced down the left sideline and whipped a wicked on-the-run cross that sailed beyond the far post to be met by Freshman Corey Eatherton who was racing in from his right wing position with a full volley blast while he was about 3 feet off the ground. What a cross! What a shot!

The second half didn't start well for the Hawks as they seemed "out of sync" right from the get-go allowing Indy to take over the match and score two goals putting the Hawks behind late in the game. Even though two goals got past him, sophomore goalie Kyle Dillman played one of his best matches stopping at least three breakaway shots and snagging many dangerous crosses, keeping the Hawks in the game.

Just when it looked like defeat was staring them in the face the Hawks rallied late to start putting pressure on the Indy net that resulted with freshman Grant Ellison banging in the rebound of a hard Brad Niemann shot for the tying goal with just 45 seconds remaining in the game. The Hawks then battled Indy through two 10-minute overtime periods that saw each team have chances to secure the game winner which neither did thanks to good goal keeping from each team and a special thanks to Sophomore defender Scott Greubel who cleared one off the line late in OT to save the day for QU.

Sunday's game with St. Joe was played in very, very windy conditions. There was about a 30-40 mile per hour wind coming straight down the field that really made it tough to move the ball when it was coming into your face, which it was for the Hawks the whole first half. Pretty solid defending, good goal keeping, and a little luck (2 St. Joe shots pinged off the post) kept the Hawks in the game 0-0 at half.

With the wind at their backs to start the second half the Hawks came out strong and earned a PK shot after just 2 minutes of play. Unfortunately, the PK attempt banged off the post keeping St. Joe's hopes alive for the time being. However, 20 minutes later, after constantly keeping the ball in St. Joe's defensive end the Hawks got on the board with a great head shot goal from freshman Abe Dirnberger on a very nice cross from freshman Jake Pittroff who maneuvered the ball well down the right side of the field. About 20 minutes later, just before the end of the game Grant Ellison scored on a breakaway to "ice" the game and send the Hawks home with the #4 seed in the GLVC.

Everything that the Hawks have accomplished so far has come from a team effort. Many guys are getting playing time. Our scoring is well spread out among several players. However, there are 5 field players, who along with our goalie Kyle Dillman, play every minute of every game. Our defenders, sophomore Scott Greubel and juniors: (Co-Captain) Bane Isailovic, Kyle Koening, Steve Miller, and center midfielder Brad Niemann have carried the lion's share of the load and are to be commended for their playing ability, fitness, and durability.

Just a reminder... Sunday, October 28th, 2:30 PM it's QU vs Rockhurst at North Campus Field. It should be a whale of a game. Come on out and be part of it. As always, to continue quoting former QU Athletic Director, Jim Naumovich, "It's a great day to be a Hawk". It sure is.

FIRE UP, QU!

Hawks Fall to SIU-E 3-0

2007-10-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!
Sunday at SIU-E was a bummer. After our "high" following the Truman win... we stumbled in Edwardsville, going down 3-0. There were very few real good "chances" for either team throughout the whole game but the Cougars"took" one late in the first half when they had a wind-aided advantage. Early in the second half the Hawks, now enjoying the wind at their back, had a "chance" similar to the one SIU scored on...but didn't convert it. With about 15 minutes left and the Hawks still trailing 1-0 we pushed a back up into midfield and a midfielder up to forward trying desperately to snatch a tying goal. Unfortunately, with us thin at the back the Cougars seized advantage of two turnovers in our end and hit us with two late counter-attack strikes to put the game out of reach. For the most part of the afternoon the game was closer than the eventual 3-0 score line. We felt bad as a team because we didn't get the win that we really wanted,and also because we didn't come through for the large crowd of parents,friends, and alumni there to support us. We appreciate you being there for us and wish we could have given you something to really cheer about. However, our history with SIU has been one of us being the underdog most ofthe time. Since the inaugural QU-SIU encounter in 1968 the Cougars lead in the series with 26 wins against 17 losses and 7 ties. Prior to yesterday's contest as coaches Ed Huneke (SIU) and Hawk Coach Jack Mackenzie were talking, Coach Huneke mentioned that, 'this game was probably going to be the last one in the QU-SIU series since the Cougars will be moving up to NCAA Division I next fall. Hawk coach, Jack Mackenzie, countered with 'I don't know about that, I think we will meet gain in a GLVC play-off match. Now wouldn't that make for a grand finale?

Coach Mackenzie would like to thank all the soccer alums who were present yesterday. He was pleased so many showed up, and then took the time to stay around afterward and visit. He appreciates your continued interest in the Hawk soccer program. Coach would also like to thank the parents for the great cookout they put on after the SIU match. He knows a lot of the St. Louis area people helped, but he believes that Steve Schaeffer, Don Eatherton, and Les Ellison were the organizers...because they wanted to show Quincyian Terry Bower (who's cooked for practically every Hawk home game for the past couple of years)... that the hospitality could be duplicated down there. These tail-gating and cookout efforts have done a lot to bring the parents of our players into a close-knit "soccer family".

WHAT LIES AHEAD... This weekend is the final round of GLVC regular-season soccer matches. There are several important games. Three teams have already clinched berths in the 8-team GLVC Play-Off (NKU-SIU-Lewis). Five spots are still UP FOR GRABS. People may be speculating about the Parkside-Lewis game on Wednesday, or about the trip NKU and Bellarmine have to take to Rockhurst and Drury. However, the most important games of this whole week are QU at Indy on Friday and QU at St. Joe on Sunday. The simple fact of the matter is: WIN TWO... AND WE'RE IN! With opportunities like this you know... IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK!

It's A Great Day To Be A Hawk!

2007-10-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

HAWKS BEAT TRUMAN...BREAK 11-YEAR JINX

Hallelujah! QU 1-Truman 0: an 11-year jinx is over! Jayme Groark's goal with 1:05 remaining in the match lifted a huge monkey off the Hawks' back in securing QU's first win over the Bulldogs since the teams started playing again in 1996. With time running out, Center Back Kyle Koenig raced up from his defensive position and launched a long throw-in into a mass of players in the Truman goal mouth for Groark to slip into the net. Kyle threw it...Jayme knocked it in...but it was a total TEAM victory. The match was a typical QU-TSU battle. Action was fast and furious as two really good teams gave it their all. Prior to last night's victory, the Hawks were 0-10-2 versus Truman (the teams played twice in 1998). Seven of those 10 losses were by one goal. Oh yes, its great to be a Hawk today...any day really.

The Truman game was the last regular season home match for our Captain, Brad Niemann. Brad has been a starter for all four years here, and has been a tremendous asset to the Hawk soccer program. Once again, he put in a full 90 minutes of whirlwind action in the center of midfield. Prior to the match, Brad and his parents were recognized by the University and received the appreciation of the crowd. He will be missed once this season is over, and we hope that doesn't happen anytime soon.

Sunday, October 14 brings another challenge...at SIU-E at 3:30 PM. Over the past six years the Cougars have had our number (with the exception of our great 3-1 win over them in the GLVC semi-final in '05. Oh what a night that was!). We hope that a lot of you come out to support your team this Sunday in Edwardsville. Our Women play at 1 PM and hopefully you may have the time to get out and cheer for them. Women's Coach, Dave Musso, has contacted his parents and alums and asked for their support...plus he's asked them to wear a bright gold (yellow) shirt/sweater/coat so we have a highly visible fan base in the bleachers. How about you parents...alumni...and fans of the Men's team doing the same thing. We'd like to see a "Sea of GOLD" taking up a large portion of the seating area at SIU's Field. GO HAWKS!

Captain Brad Niemann with his parents, Suzie and Rich. Thanks for all you and your family have contributed over the last four years!

Hawks Grab Two Must-Wins for 10-3-1 Record

2007-10-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

Hawks Sweep Rolla and UMSL...

This past weekend saw the Hawks come away with two very important GLVC wins, 2-1 over Rolla and 5-2 over UMSL. Both matches were fiercely fought encounters and it took great fighting spirit and determination for our guys to prevail. Both matches were won due to total team effort. That's one of the great qualities of this 2007 Hawk squad. It's not a one- or two-man show. Up to 16-18 players take part in each game and all contribute in one way or another. Opposing teams cannot key in on any one or two players to stop us.

We are currently sitting 4th in the 14-team GLVC table with NKU , SIU-E, and Indianapolis perched ahead of us. We play at SIU-E this Sunday (10/14) and at Indianapolis next Friday (10/19). These are great opportunities for us to move up the table and perhaps land a home field GLVC tourney slot.

However, before those Conference matches come up, this Wednesday (10/10) we have a home game with Truman State University (7:30 PM at North Campus Field) that should be a real dandy. The Hawks and Bulldogs are always involved in rigorous, vigorous matches. This one will be no different and will give our team the opportunity to beat in "In-Region" non-conference opponent and that might prove to be very helpful when it gets around to NCAA Tournament selection time.

In town this past weekend were a few members of QC's 1967 NAIA National Championship team who gathered to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of that magic season. Jim Huneke and his wife Diane came back from California, Jerry Murphy came down from Chicago, Erv Pesek and Gerry Tucker came up from St. Louis, and Tom Baker hauled it all the way from 1302 Oak St. in beautiful Quincy (IL). All enjoyed a delightful dinner on the patio area of the Lakeview Grill on perhaps one of the most pleasant October evenings ever. At half time of our UMSL match the group was recognized by the crowd in attendance and received a well deserved round of applause as Champions, and the Quincy pioneers of soccer that they were. These guys were part of the Hawk 11 who set the scoring record of 120 goals in one season, a feat the will never be duplicated.

In 1967 it was a great time to be a Hawk. Today, in 2007 it's still a great time to be a HAWK.

Quincy College Soccer ...Quincy University Soccer...has been...and still is...one of the BEST THINGS ABOUT QUINCY!

1967 NAIA National Champions: Jack Mackenzie, Jerry Murphy, Irv Pesek, Gerry Tucker, Jim Huneke, Tom Baker. Part of the Hawk 11 that scored 120 goals in one season, "a feat that will never be duplicated".

Players resting at halftime.

Fifth goal...