One of Quincy’s best ambassadors, former Quincy University Soccer Coach Jack Mackenzie, has passed away at the age of 77. Quincy University announced Coach Mackenzie’s passing this morning.

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 nationwide in college soccer.  Following his retirement Coach Mackenzie remained active with the Q.U. program and served on the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame Committee.  He also was involved with many youth activities in the area as well.

According to a news release from Quincy University, Mackenzie won 9 N.A.I.A. national championships with the first being in 1971, just two seasons after 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.

Mackenzie was inducted to the St. Louis Players Hall of Fame, the N.A.I.A. 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 N.A.I.A. 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.

In my dealings with Coach Mackenzie over the years he was always welcoming with a smile on his face.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack’s wife, Sharon and their children, Scott, Chris, Kevin, Beth, Bryan, and Megan.

Information on funeral services and arrangements are not available at this time.

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