In Memory of Jack Mackenzie
QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University is saddened to announce the passing of legendary former soccer coach Jack Mackenzie.
Mackenzie began coaching at Quincy in 1969 and remained the head coach for 43 years. He built the soccer program into one of the proudest programs in college soccer.
Mackenzie won 9 NAIA national championships with the first being in 1971, just two seasons aft
er taking over as head coach. Quincy won three consecutive national championships from 1973-75 and five consecutive from 1977-81.
Mackenzie’s teams amassed a winning record 37 times and 29 times reached doubt-digit win totals. Mackenzie finished his career with a record of 516-258-76.
During his tenure as head coach, Mackenzie saw the program make the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division I. He also oversaw the transition from NCAA Division I to the current status of NCAA Division II.
Mackenzie was inducted to the St. Louis Players Hall of Fame, the NAIA Hall of Fame, the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame, and the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame. At the time of his retirement from coaching, Mackenzie ranked 10th all-time in NCAA history in wins and third at the Division II level. In his career, Mackenzie coached 31 All-Americans. He is a four-time NAIA Coach of the Year, winning in 1971, 1975, 1977 and 1981. In addition, he was named the Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association in 1974 and the Metropolitan Life Insurance’s Midwest Region Coach of the Year in 1987.
Mackenzie led the Hawks to the Big Central Soccer Conference regular season and tournament championships in 1988. He was also named the league’s coach of the year.
After his retirement, Mackenzie remained active within the Quincy athletic department. He remained the biggest fan of Quincy University soccer, rarely missing a home game. Mackenzie also served on the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame Committee.
Jack Mackenzie was instrumental in the upgrades to the facilities at Legends Stadium and was honored by having the field named after him.
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Marty Bell stated “Jack Mackenzie was a true gentleman, mentor, and coach. He had an incredible impact on so many lives and truly embodied Franciscan values in every facet of his life. He was a great family man and his spirit will forever be a part of Quincy University, the athletic department, and the men’s soccer program. His years of loyal service and unwavering support for QU have helped to define our university, past, present, and future.”
Current men’s soccer head coach, former player and assistant coach for Mackenzie, Mike Carpenter said of his mentor, “Wednesday was a difficult day for all of us who knew and loved Jack. I was fortunate enough to be present with him and his family to the last moment. The day was full of friends, former players, co-workers, and many others reaching out to say goodbye to Jack. Witnessing so many expressing their appreciate for him was nothing short of spectacular. To say I am thankful for everything he did for me is a massive understatement. I learned much from him professionally, but how he treated and cared for others means the most. He treated me like a son and no bigger honor was when he said he wanted me to take over as the next QU Men’s Soccer Head Coach. I miss him already, but I hope all will join me in celebrating his life. Thank you to Sharon, Scott, Chris, Kevin, Beth, Brian, and Megan for sharing him with all of us, but especially me.”
QU wishes to extend its thoughts and prayers to the Mackenzie family.
Information on funeral services and arrangements will be provided at a later time.