QU To Induct 2018 Sports Hall of Fame Class
Quincy University will induct six individuals and one team into the Sports Hall of Fame at an honorary brunch on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The brunch will be held in the Hall of Fame Room located in QU’s Health and Fitness Center (20th & Oak). Reservations can be made for $20.00 each by calling Alumni Services at 217-228-5226. Inductees will also be recognized during halftime of the QU Men’s Basketball game against McKendree that afternoon.
“This year’s Hall of Fame class represents the diversity of exceptional athletes to don the QU uniform,” said Linda Moore, chairperson of the QU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. “The memories and stories of these outstanding players and contributors will stay with us for many generations.”
Barry Brueggeman ’04 (deceased) is a two time All-American and was named to the 2002 All-Independent Football Alliance 1st team. He received honorable mention NAIA & Don Hanson’s Football Gazette All-Americana teams, 1st team Mid States Football Association in 2003. Brueggeman was called “one of the best linemen in the history of the QU program” on a team that was in the Top 10 Division II blocking. He led the offense with an average of 436.9 yards per game (13th in the country) and he was the first QU player to be scouted for professional teams. He later played for the River City Rage of the United Indoor FB League where he was a 2007 All-Star. Brueggeman died in a truck accident in the spring of 2009.
Mike Hoene ’78 was the floor general on a team that finished 30-5 under head coach, Sherrill Hanks. At the conclusion of his career in 1978 Hoene finished with one of the most prolific careers in Hawks basketball history. He ended his career with the most games played in QU history (130), most assists in a single season (194), most assists in a career (335), and second most games consecutively started (99). Hoene finished with 744 career points, 335 assists, 435 rebounds, and shot over 50% from the field. In each of his four seasons, Hoene was voted Best Defensive Player and was the Defensive Player of the Year in the 24th Holiday tournament.
Caryn MacKenzie ’84 was a three-sport athlete during her career. As the team’s MVP, MacKenzie scored 10 goals and 9 assists on the first women’s varsity soccer team in 1983. She was a two-year starter in basketball where she was known for her defensive strength and quickness with a consistent outside shot. During her four-year career in softball, she held a .310 batting average and helped the team to a second place finish in the NAIA National Tournament.
Rob Steinkuehler ’03 anchored the men’s volleyball team as a two time All-American. Steinkuehler received the Mart Heinen Award in 2001, MIVA Player of the Week twice, two-time 2nd team All-Conference, and was the first ever QU player to be named to the preseason All-Conference team in 1999. He joined the USA Men’s National Training Team in May 2001. To this day, Steinkuhler is the all-time leader in kills with over 1800 during his career at QU.
Bob Ociepka ’70 has been coaching basketball since his days at Quincy College. He became an assistant coach for Gordon Technical High School in Chicago and later as a head coach at Gordon and at York Community High School in Elmhurst. In 1989, he was hired as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, his first of many positions in the NBA. Ociepka also coached for the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trailblazers. After the 2012-2013 Season with the LA Clippers, Ociepka retired from professional basketball. During his career, he also authored two books on basketball strategy. Ociepka will be honored for his Professional Achievement in Athletics.
Dr. Al Pogge will be honored for Meritorious Service. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Pogge served as the official scorekeeper for Quincy University Men’s Basketball. Dr. Pogge, professor emeritus of biological sciences, taught at QU from 1966 – 1997 and served as a member of the Athletic Affairs Committee for several years. Pogge was named an Outstanding Educator of America in 1973 and received the University Service Award in 1995.
The 1977-78 Men’s Basketball Team amassed more wins than any other basketball team in the history of the sport at Quincy University. With a 30-5 record, the team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, finishing in third place with a win over East Texas State University.
Tickets are available at $20 per person and reservations are required. For more information contact Quincy University Alumni Services at 217-228-5226 or qualumni@quincy.edu.