Quincy University Hawk Soccer

Zach Venvertloh: First Team Academic All-Region

2011-12-23T14:54:00.002-06:00

12/23/11

Zach Venvertloh, the Hawk's junior Co-Captain and central defender, already selected to the GLVC All-Conference Team and the the NCAA All-Midwest Region Team for his performance on the playing field, has recently been chosen as a NCAA First Team All-North Central Region Scholar. Venvertloh, who along with fellow Co-Captain and All-America striker Grant Ellison, led the Hawks to the 2011 GLVC Championship, has completed five straight 4.0 semesters as a dual major in Biology and Chemistry. Semester-end grades show a total of 14 Soccer Hawks with over a 3.0 GPA, seven of those being between 3.5 and 3.99, with Zach, and his freshman brother Ethan (a 7 goal scorer), both with perfect 4.0's. Quincy University, along with its alumni and fans, can be proud of the quality of the student-athletes within the Men's Soccer program, with Zach being the "leader of the pack".

Grant Ellison Selected All-America

2011-12-16T16:56:00.000-06:00

12/16/11

Grant Ellison, QU's senior striker, tops off his record breaking season with his selection to the NCAA Division II All-America Third Team. Ellison's award comes as a reward for him scoring 16 goals while leading the Hawks to the GLVC Championship as their inspirational Co-Captain. His 16 senior-year goals pushed his career total to 45 allowing him to move up to a 7th place tie (with Mark Thomas) on the Hawks All-Time Top Scorers list. Grant's All-America selection is QU's first such honor received since Josh Worth's selection in 2004.

All in all, Hawks players since 1966 have appeared on 32 All-America teams. Carl Schwarzen, Mike Villa, John Schneider, Mario Camacho, Mark Mathis, Sam Bick, Neil Frederickson, Emilio John, Eric Delabar, Brian Belobradic, Mike Gallo, and Mark Roome, were selected once each during QU's NAIA reign, while Jim Pollihan, Tor Duner, Steve Lux, and Claes Sandstrom were all selected twice. Edmundo Camacho and Al Harte were each honored three times as All-America players.

In 1984 QU affiliated with the NCAA and played as a Division I team up until the end of 1995. During these twelve seasons, Jock Lagerstedt (1987), was the only Hawk to be awarded All-America honors.

In 1996 the Hawks became part of the GLVC Conference at the NCAA Division II level. In this time five Hawks have won selection as All-America honorees: Jay Wright and Jonathan Douglas in 1998; Matt Vollink in 2000; Josh Worth in 2004, and now Grant Ellison, a 2011 award winner. Here's hoping that there are many more to come.

QU Hawk Soccer: Season Ending Wrap-up.

2011-12-15T14:15:00.002-06:00

12/15/11

It has been a very long time since our last posting (10/10/11). That posting came after two exciting GLVC wins over Drury and Missouri S & T. The next weekend the Hawks lost two GLVC matches. No, the postings didn't stop just because of those two losses. Rather, the postings stopped because on the weekend of those two losses the University transferred over to a new internet delivery system and all previous e-mail address were lost to the writer. Because your blog writer is somewhat technologically challenged, and because the soccer season was still going on "hot and heavy", it has taken until now for said "writer" to re-gather all the e-mail addresses and then type them into the new delivery system. (Whew!) So, here goes a shortened (maybe) season wrap-up.

On the weekend of October 14-16 the Hawks were at home and lost 1-0 to Northern Kentucky (defending National Champion and GLVC front runner at the time) on a goal in the 82nd minute of a fiercely contested match; and then lost 3-2 to Bellarmine University in another one goal deciding contest. Wing forward Jeff Vaninger scored both Hawk tallies in this game, one on an excellent free kick from about 30 yards out.

On the weekend of October 21-23 the Hawks took to the road and defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 7-0 with Grant Ellison netting two goals, Ethan Venvertloh 3,and Ryan Seifert and Jordan Roberts each getting one in the Friday match. On Sunday, the Hawks came from behind to tie the University of Southern Indiana 1-1 with Grant Ellison scoring with just 8 seconds remaining in the first half. Then, on Wednesday 10/26 the Hawks traveled to play at the University of Illinois-Springfield (formerly Sangamon State from the NAIA days)and defeated them 5-1 on two goals apiece by Grant Ellison and Ethan Venvertloh that followed Eddie Ragsdale match-opening score.

The Illinois-Springfield game wrapped up the regular season with the Hawks sporting a 10-5-2 overall record and a 9-4-2 record in GLVC play that found them seeded fourth in the GLVC post-season tournament and matched up to play Lewis University's number 5 seeded team. That match took place on Saturday, October 29th at North Campus Field, and saw the Haks come away with a thrilling 2-1 win on freshman Ethan Venvertloh's goal in the 78th minute. Freshman Jordan Roberts had opened the scoring for the Hawks in the 6th minute of action and Lewis squared the match in the 19th minute. This win propelled the Hawks into the GLVC semi-finals to face the #1 seed Rockhurst on their field. Readers might remember that Rockhurst had earlier destroyed the QU Hawks 5-0 at North Campus Field. However, in this semi-final match on Friday, November 4th, it was a different story as QU went out and battled fiercely from kick-off and got out on top 1-0 on a long range shot from freshman striker Jordan Roberts in the 5th minute. Rockhurst leveled the score at 1-1 in the 12th minute and the battle waged on for 78 more minutes during regulation time and for 20 minutes of overtime with the game still deadlocked at 1-all. The 110 minutes of game action was a combination of good soccer and a real "war" waged by two teams who refused to back down. With the match oficially declared a draw after 110 minutes the teams were pitted in a PK shootout battle to determine who would advance into the Sunday Championship match. And, just like the actual game itself the PK shoot-out was an intense nail-biter with QU emerging as 3-2 victors thanks to successful PK's by Grant Ellison, Jordan Roberts, and Stephen McAnany, and TWO PK saves by Hawk keeper DJ Lampert, the final one putting the Hawks into the Championship match against Drury University on Sunday Novembver 6.

In the Sunday Championship game Drury jumped out in front 1-0 in the 15th minute of the match and had the better of the play throughout the entire first half. During the haltime interval the Hawks regrouped and began at the second half kick-off to assert themselves into the match. In the 70th minute mark the Hawks finally got on the scoreboard when Grant Ellison beat the Drury keeper to a bouncing ball at the 18 yard line and flicked it over him toward Drury's goal. Ellison's flick was a looper that was going to bounce before it got to the goal mouth and two Drury defenders were chasing back in an attempt to clear it out before it entered the goal. However, Ethan Venvertloh saw what was about to happen and raced in from his wing position and headed the ball off the bounce into the goal just before the Drury defenders got to it. HAWKS SCORE. Game tied. Venvertloh got the goal. Ellison got the assist, AND was flattened and almost knocked out by the much larger Drury keeper who smashed into him as he flicked the ball goalward. Grant had to come out of the game for several minutes before he was able to return to action.

The game remained deadlocked at one apiece throughout the rest of regulation time with both teams having chances to snatch the title. However, as in the semi-final this match was destined for overtime. Early in the first overtime period the Hawks cleared a ball from around their 18 yard line out to midfield where Grant Ellison picked it up and made a move toward the right sideline. After several dribbles Ellison found wing midfielder Mike Andres making a run up the touchline and sent him a through pass down the wing. Andres caught up with the ball and was immediately put under pressure by a Drury defender who tried to "shield" Mike away from the ball seeking to let it roll out of bounds for a goal kick. Miraculously though, Andres stole the ball from him just at the endline and dribbled it into the penalty area and delivered a pass toward the penalty spot where Jordan Roberts had rushed in to "split" two Drury defenders and calmly took Andres pass and slotted it between the Drury keeper's legs for the WINNING GOAL! HAWKS WIN. HAWKS ARE CHAMPIONS! What a finish to a truly exciting season. This is the Hawks first GLVC Championship since joining the Conference in 1996, and it's the first Championship of this magnatude since winning the Big Central Conference at the Division I level in 1988.
No, it wasn't a National Championship like back in the glory days. However, with the status and parity of college soccer today it may just have been as hard to win.

For their successful performances throughout the 2011 season the following Hawks received various honors.

Grant Ellison, First Team All-Conference; GLVC Outstanding Forward; First Team All-Midwest; QU Leading Scorer Gold Boot Award Winner (16 goals & 3 assists AND moved into a 7th place tie on the All-Time Top Scorer list with 45 career goals) and QU MVP.

Zach Venvertloh, Second Team All-GLVC and Second Team All-Midwest, and QU Best Defender.

Jeff Vaninger, Third Team All-GLVC and All-Midwest and QU Most Improved Player.

Jordan Roberts, Silver Boot Award winner with 7 goals and 3 assists, and Rookie of the Year Award winner.

Ethan Venvertloh, Silver Boot Award winner with 7 goals and 3 assists.

This about wraps up the 2011 season. All the current Hawks can feel good about what they achieved this fall. All former Hawk Soccer Alumni and Hawk fans can feel good about the state of QU soccer. This 2011 team built on the foundation that the good 2010 team laid last year and has rekindled the pride of HAWK SOCCER. With most of this year's team returning for 2012 more good things can be expected.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, and remember that the 9th Annual Quincy Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout will take place on Friday, May 4th, 2012 at the Forest Park Golf Course in St. Louis MO. Mark this on your calendar as the place to be that day. Please come and join in with us. It's a GREAT TIME.

HAWKS SNATCH TWO VICTORIES

2011-10-10T14:27:00.002-05:00

10/10/11

With two road wins this past weekend the Soccer Hawks improved their over-all record to 8-3-1, and to 7-2-1 in the GLVC.

On Friday 10/7 the Hawks defeated Drury University 2-1 in overtime with a 20 yard blast by senior striker, Grant Ellison (St. Dominic HS)off a nifty assist pass from freshman midfielder Steven McAnany (Vianney HS)at 96:20 on the stadium clock. Drury had jumped out ahead of the Hawks with a score at 22:26, but at the 38:56 mark junior winger, Jeff Vaninger (CBC) leveled the game with a perfectly placed free kick from outside the penalty area. From that time on the two sides battled back and forth until Ellison could notch the game winner, his 10th goal of the season, and his fourth match decider. Hawk keeper, Drew Duncan (freshman from CBC)kept the Hawks in the match throughout the game with several stellar saves.

On Sunday 10/9 against Missouri S & T, the Brown & White got an early goal at the 9 minute mark from freshman striker, Jordan Roberts (Durham, England)on a cross angle shot from 15 yards out. Steven McAnany provided the assisting pass. With 10 seconds left in the first half the Hawks launched a long pass up the field deep into the Miners half that was headed by one of their defensive backs as the timer's countdown was at about 4 seconds remaining. As this headed ball descended to the ground Hawk striker, Grant Ellison, hit it off the half volley with about 2 seconds still on the clock and drove it into the upper far corner of the net from about 25 yarsds out for one of the most amazing Hawk goals in a long, long time. Throughout the second half the Miners pushed to try to get back into the game but Hawk keeper Drew Duncan and his back four of junior, Mike Andres (DeSmet HS), junior, Zach Venvertloh (Quincy HS), freshman, Chris Garavaglia (Vianney HS), and sophomore, Eddie Ragsdale (DeSmet HS) kept them pretty well in check.

Currently the Hawks are in fourth place in the 16 team GLVC. This weekend they entertain second place and nationally ranked NKU on Friday 10/14 at 7:30 PM and then host Bellarmine University on Sunday 10/16 at 2:30 PM. Like all GLVC soccer matches these two will be hard fought, spirited contests. If you are anywhere near QU's North Campus Field come on out and support the team.

From Ecstasy to Agony...

2011-10-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

10/3/11

This past weekend saw the QU Hawks experience the ecstasy of a thrilling 3-2 sudden death overtime win on Friday night, and then suffer the agony of an embarrasing 0-5 loss on Sunday afternoon.

On Friday 9/30, the Hawks with their usual slow start, saw themselves on the end of a 0-1 deficit at half-time in their match with GLVC newcomer Wm. Jewell University. However, the team regrouped at half-time and surged on to a 2-1 lead just 12 minutes into the second stanza thanks to a penalty kick goal by Grant Ellison in the 51st minute and his second tally in the 62nd minute from an assist by Nate Heryford. Then, with the game seemingly in hand the Hawks gave up a tying goal in the 84th minute on a well taken Jewell free kick into the upper 90 that forced the game into overtime. Once the OT began the Hawks came flying out and put immediate pressure on the Cardinals with 5 quick shots, including the game winner by Jordan Roberts who knocked in a rebound from a Grant Ellison shot that came down off the crossbar, sending the home squad into a jubilant frenzy as the ball crossed the line.

On Sunday 10/2 against Rockhurst University, one of QU's all-time biggest rivals, the Hawks once again got off to their usual slow start but this time never got into the game at all. Rockhurst, who almost scored in the opening seconds of the match got their first goal at the 4 minute mark, and their second came just 8 minutes later after applying almost constant pressure on QU's defense. RU pushed their lead to 3-0 just before half-time giving them a commanding margin they'd never relinquish. RU added tallies in the 59th and 75th minutes running the score up to 5-0 in their favor, dooming the QU Hawks to one of their worst defeats in recent years.

The upcoming week has the QU Hawks on the road for two more crucial GLVC encounters.
On Friday 10/7 they face Drury at 7:30 PM in Springfield MO, and then on Sunday 10/9they visit Missouri S & T in Rolla at 2:30 PM. Both of these matches are vital to the teams success this year. The Rockhurst loss has to be put behind them and and the team's focus must be on "getting the job done" this weekend.

HAWKS SPLIT ON WEEKEND

2011-09-26T14:20:00.002-05:00

9/26/11

This past weekend saw the Hawks split two GLVC matches. On Friday 9/23 the Hawks got an early first half goal from junior defender Mike Andres (DeSmet HS) on a shot blasted in from outside the penalty area. Andres tally, notched in the 9th minute, stood up for the rest of the match giving the Brown & White a 1-0 victory over St. Joseph's College. Freshman winger Ethan Venvertloh (Quincy High) provided the assisting pass. From then on, keeper Drew Duncan (spohomore from CBC) and the Hawk midfielders and backline held off several Puma attacks to preserve the shut out victory.

On Sunday 9/25 the Hawks were upended 2-0 by a very good University of Indianapolis squad. The Greyhounds were gifted an unfortunate Hawk "own goal" in the 10th minute that clearly put them on the "back foot" for a long stretch before U of I struck again in the 42nd minute to pretty much "seal the deal". The Hawks tried to put on a second half rally but the Greyhounds wouldn't fold.

The Hawks are now 5-2-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the GLVC. This weekend the Hawks host new GLVC member William Jewell University on Friday night (9/30) at 7:30 PM, and then host long time rival Rockhurst University on Sunday (10/2) at 2:30 PM. If you're anywhere near QU's North Campus Field this weekend stop by an support your team.

SOCCER HAWKS BEAT UWP AND LEWIS

2011-09-19T20:52:00.002-05:00

9/19/11

Homecoming Weekend saw the Hawks post two very important GLVC wins over UWP (Wisconsin-Parkside), and Lewis Universities. The Hawks are now 4-1-1 and 3-0-1 in the GLVC.

On Friday 9/16 Grant Ellison scored on one of his patented breakaway runs at the 85minute mark to snatch the victory. Ryan Seifert fed Grant a nice through ball for the assist. Grant is a senior from St. Dominic's HS and Ryan is a sophomore from St. Dominic's also. With usual starting keeper DJ Lampert sidelined with a knee injury, Drew Duncan (red-shirt freshman from CBC) stepped in between the posts and did an excellent job recording 9 saves, several quite spectatular, to earn the shutout win. This was a fiercely contested match played at a very intense pace.

On Sunday, 9/18 the Hawks jumped out to an early lead over Lewis with two goals in the first 10 minutes of action. Jordan Roberts, a freshman striker from England, kick-started the game with a nice curling shot in the 5th minute for his first collegiate goal, and Grant Ellison blasted home a PK in the 10th minute. After that the game settled down and Lewis started to come back and notched their only goal at the 23 minute mark. Most of the second half saw each team take turns pressing the action. However, in the final 10 minutes of the second half the Hawks rejuvenated and got a "killing" 3rd goal on a great shot by Jeff Vaninger (CBC) from outside the Penalty Area into the far upper corner of the net in the 83rd minute. And then Grant Ellison closed out the scoring with a nify flick header off a nice crossing pass by Jordan Roberts. Once again Drew Duncan was in goal and although he allowed one goal he also came up with 6 important saves. Like the Parkside match, and for that matter all the Hawk matches so far, this was another very intense game. The Hawks are playing strong, determined soccer and they have to because every game on their schedule is against a top-notch opponent. The GLVC is truly a very fine collegiate soccer Conference.

The wins over Parkside and Lewis are important in the GLVC Conference standings, and were the first over both of these teams in the same season since 1998. Tis coming weekend the Hawks afre on the road playing at St. Joseph's College on Friday night 9/23 at 7:30 PM and then playing at U. of Indianapolis on Sunday 9/25 at 2:30 PM. If you happen to be in the vacinity of either of these schools come on by and support our team.

QU-UMSL TIE; HAWKS BEAT MARYVILLE

2011-09-12T14:58:00.003-05:00

9/12/11

On Friday, September 9th, QU and UMSL battled to a 0-0 tie after 110 minutes of action. The game might be visualized as two strong rams bashing heads on a mountainside. Neither side gave the other any time or space to get any control of play so the action streaked back and forth, end to end, at a fast pace. The Brown & White outshot the visitors 19-13, but each had 6 shots on frame. UMSL had the edge in corner kicks 5-1, and each keepeer had 6 saves, both pulling off a couple of truly game-saving stops.

On Sunday, September 11th, the Hawks traveled to St. Louis and out kicked the Maryville Saints 3-1. Winger, Jeff Vaninger got the Hawks out in front 1-0 with a blast from about 15 yards out at the 25 minute mark of the first half. The Hawks, though leading, were not in full contrl of the match and surrendered a goal to the Saints with about 8 minutes remaining before half-time. Vaninger once again pushed QU into the lead about 5 minutes after the half-time interval when he stole a ball from a defender and was successful on a quick strike past the keeper. Striker, Grant Ellison, finished off the Saints hopes by converting a nice assist pass from left back Carl Hodges with a smooth left footed shot into the far corner of the goal, well away from the helpless goal keeper.

Both matches were important GLVC contests and place the Hawks around the middle of the pack in the 16 team GLVC table with a 1-0-1 record after the first weekend of games. GLVC action resumes in Quincy this Friday night, 9/16, at 7:30 PM when QU meets Wisconsin-Parkside, and continues on Sunday, September 18, at 2:30 PM when they face Lewis University. This is Homecoming Weekend, a time to "Get Back Where Once You Belonged", right here on the QU campus.

HAWKS SOAR...THEN FALL

2011-09-05T11:31:00.002-05:00

9/5/11

The Soccer Hawks opened their 2011 season with an impressive 3-0 victory over Lindenwood University on Saturday night to kick-off Soccer Bowl XVII. Senior striker, Grant Ellison, notched two goals, and midfielder Nate Heryford scored one. Freshman Ethan Venvertloh had two assists on the night, and Jeff Vaninger served up one. All in all the Hawks played very well throughout the match outshooting the Lions 11 to 6 and holding a 5 to 0 edge in corner kicks won during their first win of the season.

On Sunday, the Hawks started off fast against Truman State scoring in the 17th minute with a breakaway goal by Grant Ellison, with the assist going to Jeff Vaninger. However, the Hawks let the game slip away from them for about a 20 minute period after their goal and allowed the "Dogs" of TSU to take over and score twice before half-time. The Hawks regrouped during the half-time interval and pretty much dominated the whole second half but could not find an equalizing goal. Unfortunately, although outshooting TSU 10 to 3 in the second half, and 22 to 9 throughout the game, the Hawks suffered their first loss of the season.

Missouri S & T who defeated TSU 2-0 on Saturday night and Lindenwood 2-1 on Sunday night won Soccer Bowl XVII being the only undefeated team in the tournament.

On Friday night, September 9, the Hawks will open up their home GLVC season against the visiting Tritons of UMSL, at 7:30 PM at North Campus Field. On Sunday, September 11, the Hawks will travel to St. Louis to play at Maryville University at 2:30 PM. If you get a chance come out and support the team.

GO HAWKS.

SOCCER HAWKS PICK UP NINE RECRUITS

2011-07-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

Hawk soccer coaches, Jack Mackenzie and Mike Carpenter, along with graduate assistant, Phil Brierley, have finished their recruiting efforts to restock their squad for the upcoming 2011 fall season and are quite pleased with their nine ‘catches’ from such soccer ‘hotbeds’ as Quincy, nearby St. Louis, and even across the sea to Great Britain. The Hawks recently graduated six outstanding seniors from the squad that reached the NCAA National Tournament last fall, so “reloading” for the 2011 season was a top priority over the past eight months. With these nine new signees Hawk coaches feel they’ve adequately bolstered their squad to meet the challenges of the rugged GLVC schedule they’ll face this fall.

Recruiting efforts for the Hawks started close to home as they’ve had their eye on QHS star Ethan Venvertloh for the past couple of years. Since Ethan’s older brother, Zack, has been a full-time starter for the Hawks ever since his freshman season, it seemed natural for Hawk coaches to carefully monitor the younger Venvertloh’s development with the Blue Devils. What they saw was Ethan following up a good junior season with an even better one his senior year that saw him garner All-Conference, All-Sectional, All-State, and All-Midwest honors. While brother Zach anchors the QU defensive back line, the Hawks plan to use Ethan as an attacker because of his knack of scoring goals, and his ability to set up goals for others. The Blue Devil striker knocked in 27 goals and laid on 14 assists during his senior season. Ethan’s addition to the QU roster raises the number of locals up to four on the Hawk squad for next fall.

Six new Hawks hail from the St. Louis area which has traditionally provided the majority of players on every QU roster. Three prepped at Vianney High School and one from CBC, both traditional soccer powerhouses, with one each coming from Fort Zumwalt East and Barat Academy.

Steve McAnany and Chris Garavaglia, who finished their Vianney high school careers in November of 2009, are transferring to QU from NCAA DI SIU-Edwardsville. McAnany, an attacking midfielder, and defender Garavaglia were both All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State selections as high school seniors while helping Vianney make a deep run into the Missouri HS State Tournament before being nudged out by CBC the eventual State Chamipion. Joining Steve and Chris is former teammate Tim Varnum who was a solid all-round starter at both midfield and defense who helped Vianney capture the 2nd Place trophy in the 2010 Missouri (Large School) State HS Tournament.

Joining the Hawks from CBC high school in St. Louis is Jake Bond, a talented forward/midfielder who scored the winning goal for CBC in the 2009 Missouri (Large School) HS State Tournament. Jake also had a very good senior season in 2010 recording 7 goals and 11 assists for the highly rated Cadets earning him All-Conference honors in the rugged Metro Catholic Conference that is arguably one of the top high school soccer conferences in the entire United States.

Tommy Vitale (Fort Zumwalt East), and Carl Faron (Barat Academy), complete the Hawk recruiting class from the St. Louis metro area. Vitale scored 9 goals and recorded 15 assists as a senior and was selected as his team’s MVP. Likewise, Faron, from his center midfield position, was also the top player on his HS eleven.

Ben Oliver from Dromore, Northern Ireland, and Jordan Roberts from the Durham/Newcastle region of England round out the Hawk recruiting class for 2011. Oliver, a sturdy central defender/defensive midfielder, has been a member of the Northern Ireland National Youth team for the past four seasons and served as its Captain one year. Ben currently plays on Glenavon FC, the current Northern Ireland Youth Cup Champions. Roberts, a tall striker, recently scored 14 goals and had 6 assists during a 30 game season with the famous Wallsend Boys Club team and started all five of his County national cup matches scoring 3 goals and making 3 assists.

The Hawks open their official fall season with their Soccer Bowl Tournament over Labor Day Weekend, September 3-4, at North Campus Field. Hawks coaches are confident that several of their new recruits will be ready to step into the starting line-up right away and shore up the losses of the graduating seniors.

SOCCER HAWKS EARN TOP ACADEMIC HONOR

2011-05-09T15:04:00.002-05:00

5/9/11

Once again the Men's Soccer Team has received the Athletic Director's TEAM Academic Achievement Award. This honor, for having the highest cum GPA among all of Quincy University's men's sports teams, is the 10th for the Soccer Hawks out of the last 11 years. Every team member can be proud of the part he played in helping to earn this award, particulary each of our graduating seniors, who did extremely well as a group over the past two semesters.

GREAT JOB HAWKS!!!

Wedemeier Earns Top QU Sports Award

2011-05-05T14:31:00.002-05:00

5/5/11

At last night's QU Athletic Awards Dinner, Hawk soccer player Jack Wedemeier was selected as the Mart Heinen Award winner, recognizing him as the schools top male athlete for the 2010-11 school year capping off his terrific four year career. During his senior season, Jack, as a Co-Captain, led the team to its first NCAA National Tournament appearance since 1998, starting all 20 games, scoring 9 goals (3 game winners), and registering 6 assists for a total of 24 scoring points. For these accomplishments, Jack was selected Second Team All-Midwest Region, First Team All-GLVC, and also tabbed as the top GLVC Male Soccer Scholar-Athlete thanks to his 3.69 cum GPA as a Pre-Med major. Over his four-year career Jack started 60 games, knocked in 32 goals along with 19 assists making him one of the most productive Soccer Hawks in recent years. Wedemeier is the first Hawk soccer player to capture the Mart Heinen Award since Heath Tagtmeyer was honored in 1995 for not only his exploits in soccer, but in football and baseball as well.

Also honored with a HAWK Award was goal keeper DJ Lampert. This special award goes to a player on each team "who embodies all that it means to be a team player; overcoming adversity, great improvement, role model, and excellent academic career". After not seeing one minute of game action time during both the 2008 and 2009 seasons DJ earned the starting GK position at the beginning of the 2010 season and went on to start 20 games logging 1929:14 minutes of play. DJ recorded 6 shutouts and had a good .811 GAA (goal against average) which took him from being a benchwarmer to Second Team All-GLVC and Third Team All-Midwest honors.

2010 QU Hawk Soccer Awards

2011-03-06T16:28:00.007-06:00

The 2010 QU Soccer Hawk Awards Banquet was held in the Hall of Fame Room at Quincy University on Sunday, March 6th. The Soccer hawks achieved some very noteworthy acomplishments this year...

2010 Season Record... 11-7-2

4th place finish in the 15 member GLVC

GLVC tournament semi-finalist. NCAA first round appearance

GLVC sportsmanship award winner.

The following awards were presented to Hawk players for their achievements this year...

GLVC Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award: Jack Wedemeier

Most Valuable Player: Grant Ellison (junior forward)

Best Defender: Abe Dirnberger (senior center back)

Gold Boot: Grant Ellison with 15 goals and 1 assist (junior forward)

Silver Boot: Jack Wedemeier with 9 goals and 6 assists (senior forward)

Most Improved Player: Eddie Ragsdale (freshman defender)

Rookie of the Year: Ryan Seifert (freshman midfielder)

The following Hawks received All-GLVC and All-Region awards...

All-GLVC First Team: Jack Wedemeier (senior forward)
All-GLVC Second Team: Grant Ellison (junior forward)
All-GLVC Second Team: DJ Lampert (sophomore goal keeper)
All-GLVC Third Team: Abe Dirnberger (senior defender)

NSCAA All-Region Second Team: Jack Wedemeier (senior forward)
NSCAA All-Region Second Team: Grant Ellison (junior forward)
NSCAA All-Region Third Team: DJ Lampert (sophomore goal keeper)

Co-Captains for the 2011 Season: Zach Venvertloh and Grant Ellison

The Senior Class

The Junior Class

The Sophomore Class

The Freshman Class

Wedemeier Earns Honor

2011-01-28T13:39:00.002-06:00

1/28/11

Jack Wedemeier, QU's senior striker from Cape Notre Dame HS, has been honored with the GLVC's Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year Award for his exploits on the soccer field and in the classroom. As a Hawk Co-Captain this past fall, Jack notched 9 goals and 6 assists and was selected 1st Team All-Conference, and 2nd team All-Region. As a Biological Sciences/Chemistry major he has maintained a 3.69 cum GPA over the four years he's been a standout athlete. Jack's desire is to go on to medical school and become the 10 doctor to emerge from the QU Hawk soccer program.

More Awards for Soccer Hawks

2010-12-08T16:47:00.002-06:00

12/8/10

The GLVC recently released the winner of the Conference Sportsmanship Award for the 2010 season and the QU Soccer Hawks are co-recipients along with Missouri S & T. This marks the second time in the last four seasons that the Hawks have been honored with this award.

Also recently announced is that the Hawks have once again been honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)with their Team Academic Award for having a team GPA above 3.0. This is the 9th time out of the last 10 years that the players have earned this academic accomplishment.

All in all 2010 was a pretty good year for the QU soccer program. The pre-season GLVC poll had the Hawks pegged as finishing 7th but their 9-4-1 league record landed them in 4th place after the regular season concluded and saw them reach the GLVC Tournament semi-final where they were nipped 1-0 by UIndy with only 2 minutes left in the second overtime. The team then earned only its second NCAA DII National Tournament bid ever and took Northern Kentucky University seven minutes deep into overtime before the Norse prevailed 2-1, leaving the Hawks with a 11-7-2 overall final record. NKU then went on to win their next four matches and won the National Championship. Four Hawk players (Wedemeier, Ellison, Lampert, Dirnberger) made the All-GLVC team, and three (Wedemeier, Ellison, Lampert) were selected ALL-Region. These accomplishments along with receiving the GLVC Sportsmanship Award and the NSCAA Academic Award indeed make 2010 a quality year for soccer at Quincy University.

Six quality seniors provided the leadership and spark so vital to this season's successes. Graduating this May will be Co-Captains Jack Wedemeier and Abe Dirnberger, both from Notre Dame HS in Cape Girardeau MO; Jake Pittroff and Greg Schaeffer, both from Oakville HS in St. LOuis MO; Corey Eatherton, from Summit HS in Fenton MO; and Ryan Hirtz, from St. Dominic HS in OFallon MO. They will be really missed by their teammates and coaches. Best wishes to them as they pursue their other life goals.

THREE HAWKS SELECTED ALL-REGION

2010-12-06T15:59:00.002-06:00

12/6/10

CONGRATULATIONS to Senior striker, Jack Wedemeier (Cape Notre Dame), and Junior striker Grant Ellison (St. Dominic HS)for being selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)All-Midwest Second Team, and to Sophomore goal keeper DJ Lampert (Lutheran South HS)for his selection to the Third Team. This is the first time since 2005 that three Hawks have been honored on the All-Region Team during the same year. Earlier, Ellison had been selected to the Daktronics All-Midwest First Team.

For the 2010 season Ellison finished with 15 goals and 1 assist, while Wedemeier recorded 9 goals and 6 assists. Lampert, played every minute of every game in goal and posted a very low .93 goals against average. All three started each of the Hawk's 20 matches during the fall season that ended on November 12th with a 2-1 OT loss to Northern Kentucky University in the opening round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament. NKU, like Quincy a GLVC member, won the 2010 National Championship this past Saturday.

TERRIFIC EFFORT...TOUGH LOSS

2010-11-14T16:35:00.002-06:00

11/14/10

On Friday night 11/12 the QU Soccer Hawks waged a tremendous battle with the Norse of Northern Kentucky but unfortunately lost 2-1 in overtime in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Soccer Tournament. For the Hawks, the #4 seed in the Midwest Regional, it was only their second appearance in NCAA post-season play since joining Division II in 1996. Quincy's only other appearance came in 1998 when they also lost in overtime, 3-2 to Truman State University.

Friday's match pitted the Hawks against NKU, the #1 seed in the Midwest Regional and currently ranked #5 in the National Top 25 poll. NKU also boasted a 2-0 win over the Hawks just one month ago and had defeated QU in each of the last five years. Though entering the match as the definite underdog the Hawks played a terrific game and forced the Norse to the very limit of their abilities to finally snatch a win.

Playing with a lot of spirit and tenacity on defense, yet calm and composed when when in possession of the ball, the Hawks actually struck first with a breakaway goal by Grant Ellison (Jr. striker from St. Dominic HS) in the 26th minute. Ellison's tally, his 15 of the season, came as the result of Ryan Seifert (Fr. winger from St. Dominic HS) intercepting a Norse pass and feeding the ball to Jack Wedemeier (Sr. striker from Cape Notre Dame HS) who in turn found Ellison streaking towrd the Norse net and hit him with a pinpoint pass to push him past the last defender allowing Ellison to slip the ball past the on-charging Norse keeper and into the far right corner of the net.

From this point on the Hawks were pretty much in charge of the match, Keeper DJ Lampert, (So. from Lutheran South HS) was at the top of his game and he was aided by outstanding defensive efforts from Mike Andres (So.right back from DeSmet HS), Zach Venvertloh (So. center back from Quincy HS), Abe Dirnberger (Sr. center back from Cape Notre Dame HS) and Carl Hodges (So. left back from Sedgefield, England) and the whole midfield line of Jake Pittroff (Sr. from Oakville HS), Corey Eatherton (Sr. from Summit HS), Greg Schaeffer (Sr. from Oakville HS). It looked like the Hawks were going to break the NKU jinx for sure until a very harsh call in the 75th minute by the match official reduced the Hawks down to 10 men as defender Mike Andres was issued a straight red card for a tackle at midfield. The tackle was from behind. However, the Norse attacker was nowhere in any scoring position and actually carrying the ball about 40 yards away from the Hawk goal heading towards the sideline when the tackle occured. Earlier in match several Hawks players were dumped to the ground by opponents with no card on even foul call issued. The official's call was a definite game changing decision as it gave life to the Norse who were staring an upset in the face and placed a tremendous strain on the Hawks who now had to battle on a man down to a very talented team. The Hawks battled hard thwarting attack after attack until the 85th minute when NKU finally slipped in and notched the tying goal on a score by their Steve Beattie, the GLVC's
Offensive Player of the Year for both 2009 and 2010, who also provided the assist pass on the game winning game by NKU's Michael Holder (2010's GLVC Freshman Player of the Year) seven minutes into overtime, breaking the hearts of Hawk players and the loyal parents and fans who traveled to Kentucky to support the team.

The loss ended the 2010 season with a record of 11-7-2. Of the Hawks 7 losses six were by one goal and four of those were in sudden death overtime. The team matured and got better and better as the season moved on and they raised the quality/skill level of Hawk soccer to its highest level in a long, long time. For their efforts, Hawk players should be proud of what they accomplished in 2010. They were GLVC semi-finalist and earned a first round appearance in the NCAA Division II National Soccer tournament something that has not happened since 1998.

HAWKS NIPPED IN OT THRILLER

2010-11-06T15:00:00.002-05:00

11/6/10

Although giving a terrific effort on Friday 11/5 in the GLVC semi-final match with the Greyhounds of Indianapolis the Soccer Hawks fell 1-0 on a goal coming 8 minutes into overtime. The victory for Indianapolis puts them into the GLVC title game on Sunday 11/7 against the #2 seed NKU who defeated the Miners of Missouri S & T 2-1 in overtime also.This was the second time this season that the Hounds nipped the Hawks in overtime.

Friday's Hawk-Hound match was pretty much a carbon copy of the earlier one played on October 8th. The statistics for both matches were fairly equal with both teams having just a few opportunities to score during regulation. Both matches were fiercely contested yet cleanly played by two fine soccer teams. Everyone watching yesterday's match was rewarded with a truly top quality performance by both teams.

Had the Hawks won yesterday they probably would have snatched for sure a bid to the NCAA National Tournament. However, the loss puts QU "on the bubble" and they will have to wait until Monday evening 11/8 to see whether or not a bid materializes.
Information on that will be sent out as soon as it has been made official.

Hawks Win GLVC Quarter-Final: Four Named ALL-Conference

2010-11-01T16:56:00.002-05:00

11/1/10

On Sunday 10/31 the Soccer Hawks defeated Drury University 3-2 with Ryan Seifert's tally in the 108 minute in a very well played, very intense GLVC Tournament quarter-final match. Seifert (Fr. from St. Dominic HS) was assisted by Co-Captain Jack Wedemeier (Sr. from Cape Notre Dame)just 2:30 before the end of the second OT period.

After a first half mainly contested between the two 18 yard lines the game exploded with four goals coming between the 60th and 68th minute marks. Drury jumped on top off a head ball goal in the 60th minute. In the 61st minute Grant Ellison (Jr. from St. Dominic HS) slipped one under the Drury goal keeper from close range after receiving a nice assit pass from Wedemeier. Six minutes later Ellison scored again with assists credited to Jake Pittroff (Sr. from Oakville HS) and Jeff Vaninger (So. from CBC HS). And then, less than a minute later Drury scored again to draw level once more. At this point an exciting, intense match drew even moreso over another 40minutes of action as both teams battled to get the winning goal up until Seifert's shot won the day for the Hawks. QU will now will travel to the campus of Northern Kentucky University to play the University of Indianapolis this Friday at 2:30 PM EDT. If you are in the vacinity come on out and cheer on your HAWKS as they strive to reach the GLVC Championship match scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 PM on the NKU campus.

Over the wekend it was also announced that four Hawks were named to the GLVC All Conference Team. Representing QU on the First Team is Senior Striker Jack Wedemeier from Cape Notre Dame while Second Team honors went to Jr. Striker Grant Ellison from St. Dominic HS, and Sophomre Goal Keeper DJ Lampert from Lutheran South HS. Senoir Center Back Abe Dirnberger, a Co-Captain along with Wedemeier, and like Wedemeier, from Cape Notre Dame HS was honored on the GLVC Third Team. All four have provide great service to the Hawks successful season as have a number of other starters and top reserves who have made great contributions game in and game out.

HAWKS EARN PLAY-OFF SPOT

2010-10-25T16:43:00.002-05:00

10/25/10

Last week was a busy and successful week for the Soccer Hawks. On Wednesday 10/20 they traveled to Kirksville MO and drew 1-1 with #14 nationally ranked Truman State University in a non-Conference match. The match was end-to-end and quite intense for the entire 110 minutes of action. Grant Ellison (JR from St. Dominic HS) scored for QU. Mike Andres (SO from DeSmet HS) supplied the assit.

On Friday, 10/22 the Hawks bested the Prairie Stars from the University of Illinois-Springfield 5-0 in the GLVC match that clinched their play-off berth in the Conference Tournament. Grant Ellison scored twice, goals number 11 and 12 on the year for him. Jack Wedemeier (SR from Cape Notre Dame) notched his 9th goal of the season while Carl Hodges (SO from Sedgefield, England) and Jeff Vaninger (SO from CBC HS)each tallied their third goals. Jeff Vaninger and Ryan Seifert (FR from St. Dominic HS) each provided two assists. Wedemeier and Andres also had one assit apiece.

On Sunday 10/24 the Hawks and Lewis University battled to a scoreless tie after 110 minutes of very intense soccer action. Scoring chances for both teams were limited. However, DJ Lampert (So from Lutheran South HS) made two needed stops to preserve the "clean sheet" on the day.

This coming Sunday 10/31 the #4 seeded Hawks will host the #5 seeded Panthers from Drury University in the opening round of the GLVC Conference Tournament. Kick-off time at North Campus Field will be 2:30 PM. Earlier in the year the Hawks defeated the Panthers 1-0 in a very exciting contest. If you're anywhere near QU's North Campus Field this Sunday come on in and root the team on to victory.

Soccer Hawks Win 2 GLVC Road Games.

2010-10-18T18:49:00.002-05:00

10/18/10

This past weekend the Soccer Hawks defeated the University of Wisconsin-Parkside 4-1 on Friday and then tacked on a 1-0 win over St. Joseph's College on Sunday, October 17th. The two victories raised the Hawk record to 9-5 overall and to 8-4 in the GLVC.

In Friday's win Jack Wedemeier (Sr. striker from Cape Notre Dame) led the way with two goals while Grant Ellison (Jr. striker from St. Dominic HS) added one and Corey Eatherton (Sr. winger from Summit HS)notched the other. Assists went to Mike Andres (So. right back from DeSmet HS) and Jeff Vaninger (SO. striker from CBC HS). All the Hawk midfieldeers and defenders did a good job of containing the UWP Rangers, and DJ Lampert (So. goalie from Lutheran South HS was credited with 8 saves, a couple very important ones coming very early on in the match.

On Sunday, the Hawks were in a tough battle with the Pumas of St. Joseph's College and needed Ryan Hirtz's (Sr. winger from St. Dominic HS) goal in the 70th minute to get by the determined hosts. Hirtz's goal came from a corner kick delivered by Jeff Vaninger (So. striker from CBC HS). Although QU keeper DJ Lampert (So. from Lutheran South HS) was only called upon to make 4 saves two of them were quite critical to secure the Hawk victory.

The Hawks finish off the regular season with a non-Conference match on Wednesday at Truman State University in Kirksville MO, and then play host to GLVC rivals University of Illinois-Springfield on Friday night 10/22 at 7:30 PM, and Lewis University on Sunday 10/24 at 2:30 PM. Both tese matches are at North Campus Field. If you're in the neighborhood of any of these matches please stop by and cheer on the QU Soccer Hawks.

TOUGH WEEKEND...

2010-10-11T16:00:00.002-05:00

10/11/10

The weekend of 10/8-10/10 was a tough one for the QU Soccer Hawks. Although the players gave 100% effort in their games with the University of Indianapolis and Northern Kentucky both games were lost.

On Friday 10/8 the Hawks fell 1-0 to the Greyhounds when they scored on a breakaway with just 22 seconds left in the second overtime period. Throughout the game the Hawks played well and created several great scoring chances but were denied four possible goals. Grant Ellison (junior striker from St. Dominic HS)was thwarted twice as he had one of his blasts ping off the lower goal post and spin out, and another bravely saved by the Hounds keeper. Jack Wedemeier (senior striker from Cape Notre Dame) was also unlucky twice as Indy's keeper punched out one of Jack's patented free kick drives, and then saved his valient head shot attempt on another occasion.

On Sunday 10/10 the Hawks battled toe to toe with NKU (then ranked #9 in the Nation) but again came up short. The game waas a real war with no player on eithr side giving an inch. However, NKU's All-America striker Steve Beattie managed to slip away on two occasions in the second half to provide great assist passes to two of his teammates to earn the victory for the Norse.

Currently the Hwks are 7-5 and 6-4 in the GLVC. Their next matches are Friday 10/15 at 1:15 PM at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and then on Sunday 10/17 at 2:30 PM at St. Joseph's College (IN). If you are near either of these venues stop by and root the team on.

GO HAWKS...

HAWKS WIN TWO...COACH GETS 500TH

2010-10-04T15:52:00.002-05:00

10/4/10

This past weekend the Hawks downed Bellarmine University 3-1 and Kentucky Wesleyan University 4-0 to run their overall record to 7-3 with a 6-2 mark in the GLVC. The victory over KWU helped Hawk Coach Jack Mackenzie reach the 500 win milestone.

The BU game was a fast-paced affair battled out on the Knight's home artificial turf. After staving off an opening flurry of BU shots the Hawks jumped in front at the 37th minute mark when striker Jack Wedemeier (senior from Cape Norte Dame)bravely headed in a swerving cross from left fullback Carl Hodgfes (sophomore from Sedgefield, England)who swung the ball toward the far post on the dead run from the left sideline over 35 yards out.

In the second half, junior striker Grant Ellison (St. Dominic HS) scored two beautiful goals, the first of which came in the 65 minute with a nifty assist pass again coming from left back Carl Hodges. Ellison's second score at the 81st minute mark came off a neat set-up laid on by fellow striker Jack Wedemeier. The Knights scored a late consolation goal at the 85th minute mark to close out the scoring.

On Sunday 10/3 the Hawks battled a determined Kentucky Wesleyan squad to a nil-nil half time standoff. During the opening 45 minutes of action KWU sat back in a defensive shell and repelled every attack the Hawks launched at them. In the second half, Hawk patience and persistance paid off quickly with striker Grant Ellison snatching the opening goal in less than three minutes of the restart. Carl Hodges supplied the assist, his third of the weekend. Twenty-four minutes later Jeff Vaninger (sophomore from CBC HS) gave the Hawks some breathing room when he slashed through the penalty area after receiving a pass from Corey Eatherton (senior from Summit HS) rounded the goalie and deposited the ball into the back of the net. Seven minutes later Jeff and Corey reversed roles as Vaninger registered an assist by supplying Eatherton with a pass that Corey took and snaked around a couple defenders and then hit a low shot into the bottom corner of the net. Jack Wedemeier finished off the Hawk scoring in the 82nd minute when he took a chest trap off a cross from Mike Andres (sophomore from DeSmet HS) and then side-vollyed a blast in from about 14 yards out.

The Hawks continue GLVC action this weekend when they play host to the University of Indianapolis on Friday 10/8 at 7:30 PM and then take on Northern Kentucky University on Sunday 10/10 at 2:30 PM. Both matches take place at QU's North Campus Filed. If you're in the vacinity come on out and root the Hawks on to victory.

Hawk Soccer: Brilliant Win...Tough Loss

2010-09-27T11:16:00.002-05:00

9/27/10

On Friday 9/24 the Soccer Hawks came from behind and pulled out a brilliant 3-2 win over visiting Southern Indiana with Jake Pittroff's goal in the 84th minute. Pittroff a senior winger from Oakville (St. Louis, MO) raced in from the right wing and blasted in a cross from Grant Ellison (Jr. striker from St. Dominic HS, O'Fallon , MO) to cinch the victory.

After a scoreless first half the Hawks fell behind in the 58th minute when So. Indiana scored on a breakaway from midfield. The Hawks quickly responded in the
60th minute when senior striker Jack Wedemeier(Cape Notre Dame HS) drilled in a free kick from 25 yards out. Less than a minute later the Hawks again found themselves trailing when the visitors tucked in a free kick of their own when their direct shot struck the right upright and flew across the goal mouth to be tapped in at the far post from close range. Fifteen minutes later the Hawks drew level once more when Wedemeier picked up a misplayed clearance inside the So. Indiana penalty area and slotted a goal from 12 yards out setting the stage for Pittroff's heroics at the end.

On Sunday 9/26 the Hawks and UMSL waged a real physical battle on a rain soaked pitch with the visitors from St. Louis winning 1-0 on a goal with less than three minutes to go in the second overtime period. The Triton's score came after their corner kick was only partially cleared just outside the Hawk 18 and the resulting shot ricochet off a couple player's legs before crossing the goal line.

Though the UMSL loss stung after putting out such a staunch effort, the Hawks can be positive about their play as they did win four out the five games they played over the last ten days. The team is now 5 & 3 overall and 4 & 2 in the GLVC and currently shows they have the making of a "team to be reckoned with".

GLVC plays continues on the road next weekend when the Hawks travel to Louisville , KY on Friday 10/1 to play Bellarmine University at 6:30 EDT, and then move on to Owensboro KY to meet Kentucky Wesleyan at Noon on Sunday 10/3. Currently QU sits at third in the GLVC table in a three way tie with Drury and the University of Indianapolis, all with 4-2 records. Northern Kentucky is on top of the GLVC table with a 4-0-2 record and Lewis University is in second with a 5-2 record. There are 8 more GLVC games left prior to tournament time. If you are awywhere near where the Hawks are playing come out and support the team.

GO HAWKS!
On Sunday 9/26

QU Defeats Drury 1-0

2010-09-22T14:37:00.001-05:00

For those players on the 1981 National Championship Team being inducted into the QU Hall of Fame Saturday night…please e-mail me and let me know if you will be at our game Friday night 9/24 to be introduced at half time…and if you will be at our game on Sunday afternoon 9/26 to be introduced at half time. Also let me know so I can have your name on the gate list for complimentary admission for you and your family.

On Tuesday night 9/21 the soccer hawks traveled to neutral field COSMO Park in Columbia, MO to play Drury University and came away with an exciting 1-0 GLVC win. The game had originally been scheduled for 9/10 in Quincy but that match was cancelled after 25 minutes due to lightening with the Hawks 1-0 up at the time. However, last night’s game had to be completely replayed from the beginning with the teams starting out even at 0-0.

Grant Ellison (Jr. striker from St. Dominic HS) scored on a breakaway midway through the second half using his speed to run on to a perfect through-ball supplied by Jack Wedemeier (Sr. Striker from Cape Notre Dame HS). Ellison beat Drury’s keeper and center back to the pass and finessed it into the open goal mouth. After that, the hawk defense rose to the occasion and deflected several Drury attempts to get back into the game. The Hawks win puts QU’s record at 4-2 and 3-1 in the GLVC. Their next matches come this Friday 9/24 versus Southern Indiana at 7:30PM and Sunday 9/26 versus UMSL at 2:30PM, both at QU’s North Campus Field.

GO HAWKS…

Soccer Hawks Post Two GLVC Wins...

2010-09-21T07:57:00.001-05:00

On Friday 9/17 the Soccer Hawks defeated Maryville University 7-2 to record their first GLVC win of the 2010 season. Striker Grant Ellison (Jr. from St. Dominic HS) notched a 3-goal “hat trick” to lead the way, with left back Carl Hodges (So. from Sedgefield, Eng.) nodding in two head-ball goals. Striker Jack Wedemeier (Sr. from Cape Notre Dame) converted a PK, and Jeff Vaninger (So. from CBC) chalked up the final tally on a breakaway attack. Winger Corey Eatherton (Sr. form Summit HS) supplied two assists, and Zach Venvertloh (So. from Quincy Sr. High) had one.

Sunday 9/19 saw the Hawks win a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind contest with Missouri S & T with Jack Wedemeier’s 30 yard free kick with just 36 seconds remaining in the second overtime period. The Hawks fell behind just 1:06 into the first half but fought back to level the score at 1-1 at the 26 minute mark when Ryan Seifert (Fr. from St. Dominic HS) eluded a couple defenders and stroked a nice curling shot in from just outside the 18 yard line. S & T took the lead again just 8 minutes later with the half ending at 2-1 for S & T. The Hawks started strong in the second half and were rewarded in the 74th minute when winger Corey Eatherton ran on to a miss-cleared ball just outside the 18 and hit a nice drive just inside the far post leveling the score at 2-2. The Hawks pushed the attack over the next 16 minutes of regular time and throughout each of the two 10 minute overtime periods. With just under a minute remaining in the final OT period the Hawks drew a foul about 30 out from the Miner’s goal, and with just 36 seconds remaining on the scoreboard clock Jack Wedemeier drove in the game winner earning QU their second GLVC win of the weekend.

Tomorrow 9/21 the Hawks travel to COSMO Park in Columbis MO for the make up game with Drury that was halted due to lightning on 9/10. Kick-off is slated for 7 PM.

To wrap up the week the Hawks will be at home (Homecoming Weekend) Friday night 9/24 at 7:30 PM to host Southern Indiana, and then host UMSL on Sunday 9/26 at 2:30 PM. If you’re in the neighborhood of any of these matches please stop in and support the team. An additional special event this Homecoming Weekend will be the Hall of Fame induction for the member of the 1981 Hawk squad the won the NAIA National Championship with a 21-3-1 record.

FIRE UP QU FIRE UP…GO HAWKS

DRURY GAME RESCHEDULED

2010-09-16T16:55:00.003-05:00

9/16/10

Last Friday's lightning-cancelled game with Drury University has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 21, at COSMO Park in Columbia MO, with kick-off slated for 7 PM. COSMO Park is located at 1615 Bus Loop W, off of Hwy 70.

Both teams agreed to meet in Columbia for the match because it is about halfway between the two schools. Even though the Hawks were leading 1-0 when the 9/10 match was suspended at the 20th minute mark the game has to be completely restarted from the beginning at 0-0 according to NCAA rules.

Because of this rescheduling the Hawks now will play five GLVC games over the next 10days starting at Maryville University on Friday 9/17 at 2:30 PM, then at Missouri S & T (Rolla) on Sunday 9/19 at Noon, then the Drury game on Tuesday 9/21 (as noted above), then they will be in Quincy for Homecoming Weekend when they play Southern Indiana on Friday 9/24 at 7:30 PM, and then host UMSL on Sunday 9/26 at 2:30 PM. Both of these matches will be at North Campus Field. Hopefully a good number of fans will be able to make it some of these top-flight NCAA Division II soccer matches.

Fire UP QU...Go HAWKS!

Hawks Hurt by Storm

2010-09-13T15:22:00.002-05:00

9/13/10

On Friday, September 10, with the Hawks flying off to a 1-0 lead over visiting Drury University a lightning storm hit North Campus Field with a vengence and caused the game to be stopped at the 20th minute mark. Both teams, the referees, and some diehard fans stayed around until 10 PM at which time the game was cancelled because the lightning continued dancing across the sky. For the Hawks, the stoppage of play was a shame because they were really playing well right from the opening kick-off and looked to be on the verge of their first GLVC win of the season. The game may be replayed at a future date if both teams can find an agreeable day,time,and venue. If replayed the game would begin all over again with the score back at 0-0.

On Sunday, September 12, the QU Hawks were in Kansas City to play the Rockhurst Hawks. Rockhurst, playing on its familiar home artificial turf, had much of the better of play throughout the first half as the QU Hawks struggled to cope with the fake "grass". Although back on their heels during the opening 45 minutes QU managed to get to half time still deadlocked at 0-0. About 5 minutes into the second half misfortune struck the QU side as an errant crossfield pass in their own defensive half was picked off sending the Rock-Hawks off on a quick counter attack that resulted in the only goal of the match. From that point on the QU Hawks began a determined effort to get back into the game and pushed the action into RU's defensive end on numerous occasions looking for an equalizing goal that unfortunately never came. Had the QU Hawks played the first half withn the same determination and skill as they mustered up in the final 40 minutes of play a victory might have been possible.

The 1-0 loss to Rockhurst brings QU's early season record to 1-2-0 (0-1-0 in the GLVC). Their next two outings, Friday (9/17) at 2:30 PM at Maryville University (St. Louis area)and Sunday (9/19) at NOON at Missouri S & T in Rolla MO are both crucial GLVC matches. The team needs to really focus on these two matches and come away with two victories. Both games are winable, but only with TOTAL commitment. There are no easy games in the GLVC. If you are in the neighborhood of either Maryville or Missouri S & T this weekend please come out and suppot the Hawks. The presence of the "12th" man (the true fan)is a vital element in success. Is that YOU?

FIRE UP QU, FIRE UP!

HAWKS WIN ONE...LOSE ONE

2010-09-05T14:42:00.002-05:00

9/5/10

The Soccer Hawks opened the 2010 soccer season with a good 2-0 win on Friday night against McKendree University, and then turned around on Sunday and absorbed a disappointing 1-0 loss to St. Edwards University of Austin, Texas.

On Friday night, the team was alive and spitited and really played well and deserved to win. They looked like a good NCAA Division II soccer team. Sunday though was a different story as the team did not come to play and therefore put on a very poor performance. The caliber of their play merited the loss.

So, after the first week of the season the Hawk's record is 1 and 1.
There are 15 regular season games left. If in future games the team comes to play like they did on Friday they should earn a few more victories. However, if they come to any remaining game as they did on Sunday a lot of losses are also possible.

This team is capable of winning a good number of games. They are also capable of a lot of losses. So how is this season going to play out? It depends on the PLAYERS and the frame of mind and commitment they bring to the field on game day. It's up to them. The players have to decide what they want out of this season and how hard they are willing to work to achieve it.

What's up for next weekend? Two greater challenges than were faced this weekend.
On Friday night Drury University comes to North Campus Field for a 7:30 PM kick-off. On Sunday, 9/12 the Hawks are away for a 2:30 PM kick-off at Rockhurst University. Both of these are important GLVC matches.

HAWKS AND LINDENWOOD TIE

2010-08-31T11:16:00.002-05:00

8/31/10

THe Soccer Hawks and Lindenwood Lions tied 1-1 in an unofficial pre-season match last night in St. Charles MO. The Hawks performed much better than in their previous encounter last Saturday night with WIU. The squad exhibited more energy and determination, qualities necessary for success.

The pre-season exhibition matches are now over and the REAL SEASON begins Friday night September 3 with the season opener versus McKendree University at 7:30 PM at North Campus Field. Friday's match will be followed by another home match on Sunday, September 5 with St. Edwards University (TX) that kicks off at noon.

GO HAWKS...

HAWKS 0 WIU 2

2010-08-30T10:33:00.002-05:00

8/30/10

On Saturday night 8/28 the Soccer Hawks lost to WIU 0-2. Sorry, but there were no Hawk highlites to report.

Tonight, Monday 8/30, the Hawks play their final exhibition match at Lindenwood University with kick-off at 7:30 PM. The team hopes to rebound from Saturday's lackluster performance in this final tune-up prior to the start of the regular season. A couple usual starters will probably sit out tonight's contest so they can be more fit to play in Friday 9/3'S season opener.

GO HAWKS...

HAWKS 1-HANNIBAL-LAGRANGE 0

2010-08-25T10:09:00.002-05:00

8/25/10

Last night the Hawks downed Hannibal-LaGrange College 1-0 in a pre-season exhibition match. The Hawks lone tally came in the first half on a nice header by senior striker Jack Wedemeier from a nicely driven corner kick by senior winger Jake Pittroff. A little bit later these two combined again on a great cross on the run by Pittroff and another header by Wedeimer. However, the goal was waved off due to an offside call. After that the game settled into a mostly midfield battle with neither team creating any other threatening scoring chances.

The next pre-season exhibition match for the Hawks will be Saturday 8/28 with WIU. Kick-off will be at 6 PM at North Campus Field.

FIRE UP QU!!!

HAWKS 3...ALUMNI 1

2010-08-23T09:30:00.002-05:00

8/23/10

The Soccer Hawks opened up their pre-season scrimmage/exhibition schudule with a 3-1 win over the Alumni on Saturday 8/21. The Alumni were well represented with about a 20 man squad of guys who came to really test the current Hawk squad. Without benefit of training together as a team prior to this game, and surely not as fit as the young curennt Hawks, the Alums gave a very good effort throughout the entire match. They even scored a consolation goal with just about 2 seconds left on the clock showing their "never give up" spitit that served them so well when they played here.

The curent Hawks pressed the action most of the way right from the opening kick-off and were rewarded with 2 goals in the opening half. Striker Grant Ellison, who missed all of the 2009 regular season due to injury, got both of the tallies. Late in the second half striker Jeff Vaninger notched a breakaway goal to push the scoreline to 3-0 for the Varsity, just before the Alumni's game ending goal.

The Hawk coaching staff used the match to get all available players into the match. Returning starters and top reserves from 2009 got a 60 minute shift on the field, and
newcomers got a 30 minute run out to show what they could do. All in all it was a good workout for everyone and the match gave the Hawk coaching staff their first evaluation of the 2010 Hawks.

The next exhibition match will be Tuesday 8/24 at North Campus Field when Hannibal LaGrange College visits for a 6 PM kick-off. Last season these two sides battled to a 6-6 tie after two overtime periods.

On Saturday 8/28 WIU will journey to Quincy for another 6 PM kick-off at North Campus Field.

Hawk Pre-Season Set to Start

2010-08-12T08:50:00.002-05:00

August 12,2010

On Sunday 8/15 the QU Soccer Hawks will report to campus for pre-season training. From Monday 8/16 through Friday 8/20 the team will go through a morning session at 9:30 AM and an evening session at 6:30 PM. The 2010 Hawks will feature 7 seniors, 5 juniors, 6 sophomores, and 6 fereshmen on the roster. On Saturday 8/21 they will host the Alumni at North Campus Field at 6 PM in an exhibition match.

Additional pre-season Home exhibition matches will take place on Tuesday 8/24 with Hannibal-LaGrange and on Saturday 8/28 with WIU. Both of these matches will kick-off at 6 PM.

On Monday 8/30 the Hawks will travel to St. Charles (MO) for an exzhibition with Lindenwood University. Kick-off there will be at 7:30 PM.

To get the Hawk's complete regular season schedule and full team roster along with other information about the team go to www.quincy.edu and get into the Men's Soccer section.

FIRE UP QU!!! LET'S MAKE 2010 THE BEST IT CAN BE.

QU SOCCER ALUMNI NEWS

2010-08-05T14:54:00.001-05:00

July 2010…to keep up with Hawk soccer throughout the year use either of these options:www.quincy.edu or www.quhawksoccer.blogspot.com.

Also…If you would like to receive “blast e-mail” updates on current Hawk Soccer events please e-mail me at mackejb@quincy.edu so I can add your e-mail address to our blast list and you will be notified when newsworthy events occur to keep you informed. We will post a brief summary recap of all our Fall games on our blogsite.

Dear Soccer Alum,

I hope you are having a great summer, and that you enjoyed watching the World Cup games as much as I did.

Once again the 2010 Soccer Hawks showed that they are a great bunch of very creditable student-athletes with their outstanding performance in the classroom. The team GPA of the ’10 Soccer Hawks is 3.3 with 16 of the 24 players having a GPA above 3.0 and 9 of those having a GPA above 3.5. Two Hawks, Abe Dirnberger and Zach Venvertloh had perfect 4.0’s. Our Men’s Soccer Team has the highest GPA of all male teams on campus and higher than the general male student population. Since our Athletic Director instigated the Team Academic Achievement Award the Soccer Hawks have won it in 8 of the last 9 years. Likewise, the Soccer Hawks have been recognized with the NSCAA’s Team Academic Award in 8 of the past 9 years. Our graduates continue to move on to the business and professional world extremely well qualified. I think this is something everyone should be proud of.

Recruiting for 2010 went well as we have 6 new players joining us. Four of our newcomers hail from the general St. Louis area: Tim Berra (Vianney/Scott Gallagher); Drew Duncan (CBC/Scott Gallagher); Ryan Seifert/St. Dominic/Scott Gallagher); Sam Lund (Brentwood/Metro Strikers). Dylan Mook joins us from St. Ignatius HS in the Cleveland area (coached by former Hawk Mike McLaughlin), and Jake Darnell will make the short move across town from Quincy Notre Dame HS to also become a Hawk. Former Hawk standouts Bob Radice and Josh Woodworth were instrumental in introducing the Scott Gallagher players to my attention.

Our 7th Annual QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout on May 21, 2010 was another success.

Thirty foursomes played and had a great time. Most of our regular attendees were there except for those who had children graduating from various schools that weekend. To offset their absence we had several former players join us for the first time (Bill Weckback; Dennis Klosterman; Rick Gibson; Scott Koester; plus John Nava; and Wally Gawrych who were on the Championship team in our Top Flight. I’m pretty sure all our newcomers had a good time, and I expect them back again next year. Bill Weckback was also a very welcome addition to our Golf Committee this year and helped out immensely in planning and staging our event. I want to sincerely thank him, and long–time

Committee members Jim Eagan, Bob Hanson, Bill Fann, Craig Hingle, Paul Geerling, and Mike Gallo for another outstanding job. And once again let me say that new members are always welcome. How about YOU joining the committee for 2011?

FOREST PARK GOLF COURSE in St. Louis MO will be the site of our 8th Annual QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout on May 6, 2011! We hope that bringing the event into the heart of St. Louis will be both a benefit and an attraction for the large number of you living in this area. Besides the change in venue look for some other new ideas that our committee has come up with to spice up our event even more. May 6th…BE THERE!

Congratulations to the members of the 1981 Hawk soccer team on your upcoming induction to the Quincy University Hall of Fame. This event, under the sponsorship of the Athletic and Alumni Offices, will take place on the September 24-26 weekend in 2010. Information on this should be forthcoming from the Alumni Office. Even though this event is not under my leadership I am hopeful that all squad members will be able to come back to receive your honor and recognition. The actual induction (I believe) will take place on Saturday 9/25 at the Hall of Fame Banquet. If you are going to be here for this weekend I’d like to know in advance because we play So. Indiana at 7:30 PM on Friday 9/24 and UMSL at 2:30 PM on Sunday 9/26. If you are present at either or both matches I’d like to introduce you at halftime of these games. Please e-mail me at mackejb@quincy.edu to let me know which game or games you will attend so I can have you on our gate list for free admission, and also know to introduce you at halftime. The 1981 HAWKS (21-3-1)…the squad that won QU’s 5th consecutive NAIA National Championship. Come back and celebrate. For more information on the weekend you can contact Alumni Director Bill O’Donnell at billo@quincy.edu.

Congratulations to Mike DiRaimondo on his upcoming induction into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. I believe this takes place on October 21 if I’m not mistaken. Hopefully many of his teammates and friends will make the banquet to share in the evening with him. Mike was a tri-captain for us in 1978 and was an important player on our 1975-77-78 NAIA National Championship teams and the NAIA 3rd Place team in 1976.

Our Alumni Game will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 6 PM at North Campus Field.
If you want to play please e-mail me and let me know that (mackejb@quincy.edu). I’ll have a uniform for you to use, and will help with a post game Alumni party.

For those of you living in the greater St. Louis area we will be playing an exhibition match at Lindenwood Univ. on Monday August 30 at 7:30 PM, and a regular season match at Maryville on Friday 9/17 at 2:30 PM. I’ll attach our full schedule so all might find a date they can see us play.

SOCCER HAWKS GET TOP GRADES

2010-06-05T13:47:00.002-05:00

6/5/10

Once again the QU Soccer Hawks earned top honors in their academic pursuits by compiling a team GPA of 3.31 for the spring 2010 semester. Of the 24 players on the squad 16 earned grades of 3.0 or better, of which 9 were at 3.5 or better, and 2 were straight 4.0. This accomplishment will put the team once again as the top contender to win the Athletic Director's Academic Excellence Award (among all QU male teams) for the next season, and will also assure the squad of receiving another NSCAA Academic All-America Team Award. Congratulations Hawks on another outstanding school year.

Success...Great News...Important Date

2010-05-24T14:35:00.002-05:00

5/24/10

The recently completed QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout was another SUCCESS. The weather held up nicely with NO RAIN and moderate temperature providing the perfect atmosphere for the 30 foursomes that teed off. Judging from the looks of everyone passing through the 10th Tee and gathered for dinner it was evident that a good time was had by all. Once again the golf committee put on a great event, and once again a large number of alumni players and friends of QU soccer showed up to enjoy a fun-filled day and provide support for the QU Soccer Hawks.

GREAT NEWS...QU Athletic Director, Marty Bell, has informed me that the 1981 QU Soccer Hawk Team is going to be inducted into the QU Sports Hall of Fame on the weekend of September 24-26, 2010. The '81 Soccer Hawks hold the QU record for the most number of wins in a single soccer season (21) and were the squad to capture QU's record fifth consecuative NAIA National Championship, a national record. It's hoped that all the players from that great team can make it back for the celebration at the Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday 9/25, and to watch the current Hawks play Southern Indiana on Friday (9/24 at 7:30 PM) and UMSL on Sunday (9/26 at 2:30 PM). So mark the dates. More information will be coming from the Alumni Office later in the summer.

IMPORTANT DATE (another)...The Fall Alumni Soccer Game will be played on Saturday August 21 at 6 PM at QU's North Campus Field. This is a great way to kick off the 2010 season.
More information will be coming on this later also.

Have a GREAT SUMMER.

2010-05-13T14:51:00.009-05:00

How would you like this beautiful 3' X 3' World Cup Budweiser Neon hanging in your rec room? Well you can...IF...you're the highest bidder in the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout auction coming up on Friday, May 21st. Retail value of this sign commerating the 2010 Soccer World Cup is $500. The minimum opening bid is $250. If you are unable to attend on 5/21 you can submit a bid via e-mail to Coach Jack Mackenzie at mackejb@quincy.edu up until noon on Thursday, May 20. Bidding will be open until at least 5:30 PM next Friday. If on Friday you want to keep track of where the bidding stands you can call either 217-617-1166 or 217-653-1558 to find out and decide if you want to increase your bid.

Additionally listed below, particularly for those unable to attend the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout on May 21st, are a few of the other auction items that will be available to be bid on. This list is being made known to a wider audience than those actually able to attend the event so that they too may be able to participate in this fund-raising opportunity to support the QU Men's Soccer Program. To bid on any item listed below please use the e-mail address above.

Cardinal baseball tickets:

2-Mon. June 14 (7:15 PM vs Seattle)...Casino Queen Party Porch...value $ 86...Start bid $ 50
4-Tue. June 15 (7:15 PM vs Seattle)...Casino Queen Party Porch...value $172...Start bid $ 90
4-Tue. June 29 (7:15 PM vs Arizona)...Infield Box.............................value $364...Start bid $185
2-Mon. July 19 (7:15 PM vs Phillies)...Infield Box.............................value $182...Start bid $ 95

To make a complete evening of one of the dates above (or to use on another evening) there is available a $100 gift certificate to Kemoll's Restaurant with a start bid of $70.

Also available to real Redbird fans is a tour of Busch Stadium (for 10) valued at $250 with a start bid of $120.

Other Cardinal ticket packages will be available at the display table on May 21st.

Need a watch? How about a Men's Seiko (black face w/black leather band) valued at $325 with a start bid of $180.

There will be numerous other auction items available at the event on 5/21. Those listed above are just to give anyone not able to be present an opportunity to participate in supporting the Soccer Hawks.

Currently there are 30 foursomes lined up to Tee-off at noon on Friday, May 21 at the Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea (IL). We can only handle 36 foursomes. If you haven't as yet registered to play you can still do so if you act fast. To register e-mail Jim Eagan at jim.eagan@wwt.com and copy Craig Hingle at candkhingle@mindspring.com. Registration for an individual golfer is $100 and a foursome is $400. You can pay on the day of the event by cash, check, or credit card.

If you can't play golf on 5/21 another way you can support the QU Men's Soccer Program is to become a hole sponsor. At present we have 31 who are participating this way. A hole sponsorship is $100 and gets you a sponsor sign at one of the holes on the course. To register for a hole sponsorship please e-mail both Jim and Craig at the e-mail address listed above. You can pay with a check payable to the (QU Soccer Alumni Golf) and mail to Craig Hingle at 452 Clemens Ave., St. Louis MO 63122.

GO HAWKS...

HAWKS DEFEAT CULVER 6-0

2010-05-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

On Saturday 5/1 the Soccer Hawks defeated Culver-Stockton College 6-0 after building up a 4-0 lead by halftime to close out their abreviated spring schedule.

With their previous match with Hannibal-LaGrange (4/24) cancelled due to rain and lightning, and with quite a bit of rain on Friday 4/30 the Hawks were just hoping to get a game in on Saturday, May 1. Once the weather cleared up and they were able to step out on their beautifully manicured North Campus Field pitch the Hawks showed just how anxious they were to play by clicking off goals at the 17th, 25th, 42nd, and 45th minute marks for a commanding half time lead. Jack Wedemeier, Co-Captain striker (Cape Notre Dame HS) got the Hawk's first two tallys and his co-striker Grant Ellison (St. Dominic HS) notched number three. Goal number four was knocked in by Co-Captain central defender Abe Dirnberger (Cape Notre Dame HS). Ellison assisted on one of Wedemeier's goals and on Dirnberger's as well.

The second half saw Culver come out more determined to stop the QU onslought but the Hawks were still able to convert two more scoring chances. At the 68th minute mark Wedeimeier hit a terrific free kick past the Wildcat defensive wall for Quincy's 5th goal on the day and Jack's third to complete his hat-trick. Later, with just seven minutes remaining in the match striker Jeff Vaninger (CBC HS) tallied to make the final score 6-0 for the QU Hawks.

This match wrapped up the 2010 spring season during which QU defeated WIU, and William Woods along with Culver-Stockton. The Hawks will begin their fall training camp when they report back to campus on Sunday, August 15 and start practices on Monday, August 16.

Also of note, on Thursday April 29th the Soccer Hawks once again won the Athletic Director's Academic Achievement Award for having the highest team GPA among all the Male Sports Teams at QU. This is the 5th year in a row they have garnered this honor, and 8th out of the past nine years.

Once again, the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout is slated for Friday, May 21st at Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea (IL), just about 15 minutes east of the St. Louis Arch. You are invited to be an individual player ($100) or foursome ($400); to be a T-Box sponsor ($100); or if you have any item(s) of value to donate to our auction they'd be appreciated. To "get connected" you can contact Jim Eagan at jim.eagan@wwt.com and copy Craig Hingle at candkhingle@mindspring.com. For any information you can also e-mail Coach Jack Mackenzie at mackejb@quincy.edu .

GO HAWKS!

Soccer Hawks Defeat Wm. Woods 3-0

2010-04-19T13:57:00.002-05:00

On Saturday (4/17) the Soccer Hawks played Wm. Woods College at Pride Park in Columbia (MO) and came away with a 3-0 victory. Although clearly in charge of the match from beginning to end, the Hawks didn't get on the scoreboard until about the 25 minute mark when striker Jack Wedemeier flicked in a nice assist pass from central midfielder Greg Schaeffer who had advanced the ball up the left side of the field as Jack swept into the penalty area from the right and "do the damage".

At approximately the 35 minute mark striker Grant Ellison raced the ball down the right sideline and hit a nice cross past the far post that fellow striker Jack Wedemeier headed back across the face of goal for central midfielder Nate Heryford to "finish off" as he streaked in from the 18 yard line to apply the final touch.

Within five minutes of the start of the second half the Hawks wrapped up the game when striker Grant Ellison notched QU's third goal, with a determined solo effort. Grant had picked up a loose ball just inside the Woods half and started one of his streaking runs to their goal beating a couple defenders. Along the way, the ball was nudged away from him but he persisted in pursuit, regained control, and then blasted his shot on goal from 20 plus yards out, a "screamer" the goalie had no chance on.

Although the Hawks did not score any more they still were clearly the dominant side throughout the whole second half. Most of Wm. Woods attacks were broken up well before reaching the Hawk penalty area, leaving Hawk keeper DJ Lampert with little to do for most of the day.

The Hawks next scheduled spring match is for 2 PM on Saturday, April 24th at North Campus Field with Hannibal-LaGrange College. HOWEVER... the weather service is prediciting rain for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of this week so anyone planning on coming to watch should make sure that the game is still going to be played at North Campus Field...or moved to the Hannibal-LaGrange campus...or postponed indefinitly. Our North Campus Field is in very good shape right now and if there should be a lot of rain there probably would be some change made so as not to destroy it for a "no-count" spring training match. Coach Mackenzie can be reached at 217-617-1166 and Coach Carpenter can be reached at 217-653-1558.

You are reminded about the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout slated for Friday, May 21 at the Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea (IL) just about 15 minutes across the Mississippi River from the St. Louis Arch. NO! You don't have to be a QU Soccer Alum to play. Although many of those who attend are former Hawk soccer players this event is open to anyone who wishes to play, and to both men and women (yes we do have some very good lady golfers join us). From witnessing the first six of these events it is certain that those who participate have a great time and get a lot for their $100 entry fee: golf, cart, two meals and plenty of beverages throughout the day, and some terrific prizes (this years giveaway PING shirt alone has a retail value of $75). Already 1/3rd of the alloted 36 foursome slots have been taken. Don't get left out.

If you absolutely can't come and play on 5/21 AND you still want to support the Soccer Hawks please consider buying a Tee box sign for $100. This is a great way for you to acknowledge that you care about QU Soccer and perhaps a way for those of you who are former players to "give back" a little to a program from which you got so much. Think about it. Was your QC/QU soccer experience a positive part of your young life? If it was, and if you haven't already been "giving back", wouldn't now be a good time to start? To register as a player or to buy a Tee box sign you can e-mail Jim Eagan at jim.eagan@wwt.com and copy Craig Hingle at candkhingle@mindspring.com. If you need any other information you can contact Coach Jack Mackenzie at mackejb@quincy.edu.

GO HAWKS...

Hawks WIn Spring Opener

2010-04-12T10:30:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, April 10th, the Soccer Hawks traveled to Macomb (IL) and won their opening spring exhibition match 1-0 over Western Illinois University. The Hawks controlled most of the match and had several other good scoring opportunities while limiting WIU to only a couple. The Hawks scored midway through the second half when Co-Captain Abe Dirnberger (central defender) glanced in a header off a free kick served in from the right wing by Co-Captian (striker) Jack Wedemeier.

This coming Saturday, April 17th, the Hawks will play William Woods College at Pride Park in Columbia (MO) at 2 PM. This match was originally scheduled to be played in Quincy but has been changed to Pride Park in Columbia (MO). Directions to Pride Park are:

Pride Park is located 3 miles north of I-70 off Hwy. 63.

From I-70 (in Columbia) take Hwy. 63 North to Brown School Road.

Go West (left) on Brown School Road to stop sign.

Go right on Roger B. Wilson to Pride Park entrance on your left.

Kick-off is slated for 2 PM.

All are again reminded about the QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout May 21 at Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea (IL), about 15 minutes across the river from the St. Louis arch. This is the ONE fund-raising event of the year for the QU Men's Soccer program. However, first and forermost it is a celebration of friendships forged between and among former QU soccer players, their families and friends, other QU alums, and others friendly to and supportive of QU soccer.
It's an all-inclusive day of golf, lunch, dinner, prizes, and fun. If at all possible please join us on May 21. Registration to play is still only $100 per player ($400 per foursome). If you can't play but want to show your support for the Soccer Hawks you can sponsor a Tee box sign for $100 and list your name and/or your business, or some supportive message. Even though costs continue to go up we have not raised our fees in the seven years of this event. Why? Because we cherish your involvement. To register as a golfer or to sponsor a Tee box sign please e-mail Jim Eagan at jim.eagan@wwt.com and copy Craig Hingle candkhingle@mindspring.com . If you need further information e-mail Jack Mackenzie at mackejb@quincy.edu.

Soccer Hawks Prepare for Spring Season

2010-03-22T12:02:00.002-05:00

3/22/10

On Monday, March 29, the Soccer Hawks will begin their preparations for the 2010 season. This will be 148 days after their hard-fought 1-0 loss last November 1, to Lewis University in the GLVC Tournament. That defeat closed out the Hawks 2009 campaign with a 9-8-2 record while Lewis moved on to make it all the way to the NCAA Tournament semi-finals.

Even though the Hawks haven't played a game in almost 5 months it doesn't mean that nothing
has happen during this time. Six new recruits have signed Letters of Intent to play for QU and one more is in the final stages of the recruiting process. Already signing with the Hawks are St. Louis area products: defender Tony Auck (Chaminade/Scott Gallagher); defender Tim Berra (Vianney/Scott Gallagher); goal keeper Drew Duncan (CBC/ Scott Gallagher); midfielder Ryan Seifert (St. Dominic's/Scott Gallagher); along with Quincy resident Jake Darnell (Notre Dame/Quincy United) a midfielder; and Dylan Corrigan-Mook, a defender from the Cleveland area (St. Ignatius Prep). For the past couple of years former Hawk striker Bob Radice ('79) has been quite helpful in identifying St. Louis area prospects for the QU coaching staff including Auck/Berra/Duncan in this year's recruiting class. Former Hawk winger, Josh Woodworth ('99) tipped the Hawk staff off to recruit Ryan Seifert who played club ball for him; and former Hawk defender, Mike McLaughin ('89) put the Hawk coaches on the trail of Dylan Corrigan-Mook who played on his high school team. Thanks to these alums for their recruiting help.

Since January 19th, the first day back from Christmas vacation, the current Hawk players have been heavily engaged in a strength and fitness program featuring weight training three times per week along with plyometric and fast foot-work activities on two of those days also. Every Friday they got together to play a full indoor match as their soccer "treat of the week". Often they would also get together and play small-sided 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 games whenever a court was available in the Health & Fitness Center.

When practices begin on 3/29 the Hawks will have 19 returning players available for spring drills. The spring squad will be made up of 6 current Juniors, 7 sophomores, and 6 freshmen.
Jack Wedemeier and Abe Dirnberger, both from Cape Girardeau (MO), Notre Dame HS have been elected to serve as Co-Captains for the 2010 season with Jack leading from the front at the Striker position, and Abe leading from the back as a Central Defender. The "on-field" leadership of the team should be in good hands (plus feet and heads).

The spring (tentative) schedule has the Hawks playing at WIU in Macomb (IL) on Saturday, April 10th at 2 PM; and playing HOME games on Saturday's April 17 (Wm. Woods); April 24 (Hannibal-LaGrange); and May 1 (Wm. Jewell) with all matches starting at 2 PM. Because the weather and ground conditions are always iffy during the spring it is always a good idea to check with us in advance to see if there are any changes. To do this you can call Coach Jack Mackenzie at 217-617-1166 or Coach Mike Carpenter at 217-653-1558).

Updates on our training progress will be made at least each week during the spring.

Let's make 2010 the Year of the HAWK.

QU Hawk Soccer: End of Season Awards

2009-12-15T14:38:00.002-06:00

12/15/09

At a recent gathering several Soccer Hawks were presented with awards for their personal success during the 2009 season. Those honored included:

Rookie of the Year... Zach Venvertloh...Freshman, Midfielder Quincy Senior HS (IL)
Most Improved Player...Tyler Easley...Sophomore, Defender Summit HS (Fenton MO)
Silver Boot: Jake Pittroff...Junior Forward, Oakville HS (St. Louis MO)...8 G & 4 A
Gold Boot: Jack Wedemeier..Junior Forward, Notre Dame HS (Cape Girardeau MO)...10 G & 7 A
Best Defender: Scott Greubel...Senior Center Back, Oakville HS (St. Louis MO)
MVP: Kyle Dillman...Senior Goal Keeper, LaFollette HS (Madison WI)

Other awards for the 2009 season included:

ALL-GLVC 3rd Team selection for Defender Scott Greubel and Forward Jack Wedemeier

ESPN Magazine Academic All-District 5 honors for Jake Pittroff and Jack Wedemeier

As a team, the Hawks finished with a 9-8-2 record and a 6th place finish in the 15 member GLVC Conference.

Five Seniors (Kyle Dillman, Scott Greubel, Tom Dawson, Jayme Groark, and Andy Kling) are slated to graduate in May of 2010. All have had a very good personal career at QU and all have been very important members of the team throughout the last four years. The coaching staff sincerely thanks each one of these for all they have put into the QU Soccer Program and wishes them the best of luck as they move on to post-graduate careers.

Hawks Fall 1-0 in GLVC Tourney

2009-11-02T14:18:00.003-06:00

Sunday 11/1 saw the QU Soccer Hawks fall 1-0 to the Lewis University Flyers in the opening round of the GLVC Tournament. The Flyers, as host team, entered the match as the 3rd seeded team in the eight team GLVC tourney while QU came in as the 6th seed. The match was a battle from beginning to end. Lewis' goal came with about one minute remaining in the first half when their 1st Team All-Conference striker, Nestor Hernandez, slipped away and flicked in a cross at the far post. Hernandez, an excellent player, was actually kept pretty much in check throughout the whole game until he eluded coverage on this one play. Prior to Lewis' winning goal the Hawks had a couple of chances of their own but failed to cash in. However, for the match the Flyers did have more possession, shots, and corner kicks but the Hawks "hung in tough" by playing some very good defense which muted all other Flyer attacks but the fatal one.

The loss put QU's final record for the season at 9-8-2 (7-5-1 in the GLVC). On the season the Hawks scored 30 goals and allowed 27 which meant that every game was "up for grabs". In fact, eleven games were one goal matches with the Hawks winning 7 of these and losing 4.

Sunday's loss ended the career of 4 seniors, goal keeper Kyle Dillman, defenders Tom Dawson and Scott Greubel, and midfielder Jayme Groark, all full-time starters. A 5th senior, Andy Kling, was injured for the entire season and did not get to play at all in 2009. Although he will graduate in May along with the others, Andy still has one season of eligibility left should he choose to play in graduate school next fall. All five of these players have been a great asset to the QU Soccer Hawks and to the over-all QU community. They will be greatly missed. Best wishes to all of them as they move on in life.

HAWKS BEAT COLUMBIA COLLEGE 2-1...

2009-10-29T16:37:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday night 10/28 the QU Soccer Hawks traveled to Columbia MO to play the Columbia College Cougars and came away with a 2-1 win over NAIA's 11th ranked team. The game was a real battle from beginning to end played on a rain-soaked pitch that made running a real chore similar to running in quicksand. The host Cougars on Senior Night got off to a flying start by scoing a great goal just 57 seconds into the contest. However, instead of reeling back on their heels the Hawks "GOT MAD...NOT SAD" and struck back with their own goal just 58 seconds later when Center Back Abe Dirnberger (junior from Cape Notre Dame HS) stole a Cougar pass in his own half of field and stormed forward and sent a perfect cross to Jack Wedemeier (junior from Cape Notre Dame HS) who headed in at the far post to even the score.

Both teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the first half and through the early part of the second stanza until Jack Wedemeier slotted a great pass to freshman Zach Venverloth (Quincy HS) cutting through the penalty area from right to left. Zach ran on to the penetrating through pass at the 56 minute mark and curled the ball back across his body sending it just inside the far post, inches past the Cougar keeper's diving save attempt. After that the Cougars upped the pressure and spent most of the final 30 minutes attacking the Hawk goal. QU keeper Kyle Dillman (senior from LaFollette HS in Madison Wisconsin was outstanding throughout the entire game coming up with 11 saves. Credit for holding the Cougars at bay must also be shared with the entire Hawk squad as all helped deny shots, block shots, and even save some shots Dillman couldn't even get at to preserve the win.

On Sunday, the Hawks now 9-7-2 will be at Lewis University the 3rd seeded team in the GLVC Conference Tournament for a Noon kick-off. The winner of that game will move on to the GLVC semi-finals the nest weekend.

Soccer Hawks Clinch Play-off berth

2009-10-26T15:49:00.002-05:00

10/26/09

With a 1-0 victory on Sunday 10/25 over the University of Illinois-Springfield (formerly Sangamon Statre U) the QU Soccer Hawks clinched the #6 seed in the GLVC post-season tournament and will play at Lewis University the #3 seed on Sunday 11/1. Game time has yet to be determined but will most likey be at either Noon or 1 PM. (Check our website www.quincy.edu later in the week for game time.)

On Friday 10/23 the Hawks were supposed to play a regular season GLVC game at Lewis but that was cancelled due to unplayable ground conditions. The Hawks then moved on to Springfield to play the Prairie Stars in the wrap up game of the GLVC regular season and carved out the 1-0 win. The Hawks had the better of the play the entire game and out shot UI-S 22-7 on the afternoon. QU's lone tally came off the foot of Jack Wedemeier (junior from Cape Notre Dame) midway through the second half off an assist from Corey Eatherton (junior from Summit HS in Fenton MO).

This Wednesday 10/28 the Hawks will play a final regular season non-conference game at Columbia College at 7 PM in Columbia MO. Currently the Hawks are 8-7-2 overall and 7-5-1 in the GLVC.

SOCCER HAWKS WIN ONE…LOSE ONE

2009-10-19T17:38:00.001-05:00

On Friday night 10/16 the Soccer Hawks rallied from a 1-0 deficit to scratch out a 2-1 over visiting St. Joseph’s College. St. Joe got on the board early with a goal at the 5 minute mark on a great free kick (a Beckham bender) from just outside the PA. From that point on the Hawks came fighting back and started controlling more of the game but did not get on the board themselves until the 54th minute when Scott Greubel (senior, St. Louis Oakville HS) scored directly on his free kick from at least 35 yards out leveling out the score. Once on even terms the Hawks upped the pressure around St. Joe’s net until in a battle for the ball in the Puma penalty area one of their defenders pushed Jack Wedemeier (junior, from Cape Notre Dame) to the ground forcing the referee to “whistle up” the infraction and point to the penalty spot. Finally, in the 15th match of the season the Hawks were awarded a PK! On several occasions during the season the Hawk coaching staff, players, and fans thought a PK had been earned with no whistle coming. Even in the St. Joe game there were two other PK opportunities but no calls. But at last, one was finally awarded and Wedemeier’s shot was hard and true and found the back of the net in the 85th for the game winner.

Sunday 10/18 saw the Hawks lose 2-0 to visiting Wisconsin-Parkside. The match was pretty even throughout the first half with Parkside only out shooting the Hawks 3 to 2 over the first 45 minutes. Both of the Hawk shots demanded excellent saves by the Wisconsin goal keeper. It appeared that the Hawks were “right in there” and ready to pull off a victory. However, QU came out for the second half a bit sluggish and gave up a goal on a shot from 25 yards out that was deflected and caught Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman moving the wrong way as he went to cover the initial shot. Then at the 64th minute Parkside’s Rangers got a clinching goal. The Hawks kept trying to get back into the game and looked to have scored only to see the Parkside keeper pull off another excellent save on a blast by Jeff Vaninger (sophomore, St. Louis CBC HS). After that, the Hawks just ran out of time.

Sunday’s match was the final home game for 5 senior players, goal keeper Kyle Dillman (LaFollette HS, Madison WI); defenders Scott Greubel (Oakville HS, St. Louis MO) and Tom Dawson (Notre Dame HS, Chicago IL); midfielder Jayme Groark (CBC HS, St. Louis MO) and also midfielder Andy Kling (DeSmet HS, St. Louis MO) who unfortunately missed the entire season due to injury. All five have been important players for the Hawks throughout their soccer career’s at QU and they also have been excellent students in the classroom and positive citizens in the QU and Quincy communities. They will be missed when this season finally winds down.

What’s ahead for the Hawks? Three more road games remain of the regular season. Currently the Hawks are 7-7-2 overall and 6-5-1 in the GLVC with Conference games coming up on Friday 10/23 at Lewis University (Romeoville IL) at 2:30 PM, and Sunday 10/25 at the University of Illinois at Springfield at 2:30 PM, and a non-conference match on Wednesday 10/28 at Columbia College at 7 PM in Columbia Mo.
To be included in the GLVC Post Season Tournament the Hawks definitely have to win one of their GLVC matches this weekend. Two wins, or a win and even a tie would be better. So the team has it’s work cut out for it and it’s destiny in it’s own hands. QU doesn’t have the luxury of just letting other teams in the GLVC lose games this weekend to enhance the Hawks chances of getting into the tournament. They have to step up and win themselves. There is no substitute for winning.

LOST WEEKEND…HAWKS DROP TWO GLVC CONTESTS…

2009-10-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

The weekend of 10/9-11 was a tough one for the QU Soccer Hawks. Although the team fought hard and never quit in either match the Hawks lost 2-0 on Friday night to nationally ranked Northern Kentucky and then dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the University of Indianapolis on Sunday. Both matches were real battles and although the Hawks didn’t win they did fight hard in trying to.

Against the NKU Norse the half ended 0-0 and that score stood until 62nd minute mark when one of their fleet-footed strikers slipped away from his marker and drilled a low shot into the lower corner of the net from about 25 yards out. Unfortunately, the Hawks didn’t handle this too well and the Norse were right back at them about 30 seconds later but this time their shot ran outside the post. However, four minutes late their All-American striker sliped away from his defender and raced into the penalty area to notch their second goal in a mater of minutes. After that point the teams battled scoreless until time ran out. This match was a case of the Hawks being there head to head with a nationally ranked opponent but “slipping up” twice and having to “pay the price”.

On Sunday, the Hawks came out strong and scored in the 3rd minute of play with Jake Pittroff (junior, St. Louis Oakville HS) notching the goal off an assist from Jack Wedemeier (junior from Cape Notre Dame HS). It looked like the Hawks were energized and ready to blow out the UIndy Greyhounds. However, lots of possession and penetration for several more good scoring chances in the first half went for naught and kept the Greyhounds “in the game”. As time was running out in the first half the Hawks were whistled for what seemed to be a very weak foul resulting in a UIndy free kick from about 30 yards out. In order to make sure the Hawk wall was 10 yards back from the ball the official indicated that the ensuing free kick would start on the whistle. As he whistled a couple UIndy players took the initiative to break for goal either “on the whistle” or slightly before and slipped past Hawk defenders where one Greyhound got an uncontested header for the tying goal. The Hawks claim that the players broke the off-side line prior to the ball being played (touched) fell on dead ref ears and the goal was allowed to stand. [Note, the rule book does stipulate that the ball is “in play” after it has been touched, not “on the whistle”]. Both teams then battled through a scoreless second half forcing the game into overtime. About 2 minutes into the first overtime period a UIndy striker who had been kept “pretty well in check the whole game” made a quick inside cut and beat his marker to solo in for the winning score.

The two losses over the weekend drop the Hawks to 6-6-2 overall and 5-4-1 in the Conference. This upcoming weekend the Hawks will be at home to GLVC rivals St. Joseph’s College on Friday night 10/16 at 7:30 PM and then host Wisconsin-Parkside on Sunday 10/18 at 2:30 PM. Needless to say, with the season winding down these are two very important GLVC matches if the Hawks have hopes of qualifying for the GLVC Tournament in November. Sunday 10/18, as the Hawk’s last regular season home game, will be Senior Day as Kyle Dillman, Scott Greubel, Tom Dawson, Jayme Groark, along with Andy Kling (who has been injured all season) will be honored prior to kick-off. This would be a great weekend for all Hawk soccer fans to come out and support the team.

QU SOCCER HAWKS TIE AND WIN AT HOME…

2009-10-06T08:25:00.000-05:00

On Friday night 10/2 the Soccer Hawks had to come back from a 1-0 deficit to earn a tie with visiting Kentucky Wesleyan. Freshman Mike Andres (St. Louis DeSmet ) scored for the Hawks at the 75 minute mark with a nice flick header off a well driven free kick from Scott Greubel (Sr. from St. Louis Oakville). The battle continued on for the remaining 15 minutes of regulation and the full 20 minutes of overtime but neither team could come up with a game winner. On the night the Hawks were “off form” throughout the whole first half and though out shooting KW by a mere 3 to 2 found themselves down 1-0 at half. In the second half the Hawks upped their energy level and out shot KW 8-4 and over the final 20 minutes of OT out shot the visitors 7-0. Throughout this period there were a couple scoring chances that were just missed, and the KW keeper came up with a couple real quality saves. Prior to this contest the Hawks had been 13-0-0 versus Wesleyan in GLVC play so the tie was a disappointing result to take.

On Sunday 10/4 the Hawks took on the Knights of Bellarmine University who came to Quincy with a lofty 7-2-1 record in another crucial GLVC battle. Once again the Hawks found themselves trailing midway through the first half and had to step up their play to draw back into contention. Carl Hodges (freshman from Sedgefield, England Queen Elizabeth HS) drew first blood drilling a low shot past the keeper after receiving a long throw in from fellow freshman Mike Andres. Andres, who scored the tying goal on Friday night came to the rescue again with a neat move down the right sideline and passing a low hard ball across the goal mouth to find Jeff Vaninger (sophomore from St. Louis CBC HS) streaking past the keeper and dragging the ball behind his planted foot to roll it into the net for a great finishing effort to put the Hawks in front 2-1 at halftime. Midway through the second half Bellarmine tied the match at 2 each and was having the better of the play as they were pressing hard. With the game looking to be headed toward another overtime session Jack Wedemeier (junior from Cape Notre Dame HS) wiggled free on the left sideline and lashed a wicked cross that was about to sail past the far post until Mike Andres on the dead run slotted a terrific header just inside the post at the 88th minute to supply the game winner.

For the weekend, Andres had two goals and two assists and for his performance was selected the GLVC’s Player of the Week. Andres selection is the second for the Hawks this year as previously Jake Pittroff had received this honor for his exploits over a three game period. Currently the Hawks are 6-4-1 over all and 5-2 in GLVC play for a fourth place berth in the 15 team league.

Next up for the Hawks will be the long trip to nationally ranked Northern Kentucky University for a match on Friday 10/9 at 5 PM Eastern Time followed by a match with the University of Indianapolis on Sunday 10/11 at 2:30 Eastern time. If you’re in the neighborhood of either of these venues come out and support the QU Soccer Hawks.

QU SOCCER HAWKS SPLIT PAIR OF GLVC GAMES…

2009-09-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

On Friday 9/25 the Soccer Hawks lost 2-1 to UMSL in St. Louis with the winning goal coming with just 5 minutes left in the match. Although the Hawks totally dominated the second half, on one of UMSL’s few possessions in the Hawk defensive third, their scorer found an opening about 25 yards out an hit a “pill” into the upper 90 degree angle of the post. Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman had no chance for a save on the well placed shot. The Hawks valiantly tried to equalize in the remaining 5 minutes but were unable to find the net on several shots.

The Hawks put themselves in a hole in this match by playing a very lack luster first half. During the opening stanza UMSL consistently looked to be the “hungrier” team as they hustled about causing Hawk defenders all kinds of trouble. At about the 15 minute mark the Hawks were called for their 5th PK of the young season as keeper Dillman’s dive across an UMSL attacker soloing in on goal after eluding the Hawk back line tripped up the dribbler challenging the goal. Dillman stepped up big time and stopped the ensuing PK shot keeping the score ant 0-0 at that point. However, UMSL kept on attacking at will and finally got on the scoreboard at the 30 minute mark sending the game into halftime 1-0 in their favor, and holding a 8-4 shot advantage over the Hawks..

The Hawks came out re-energized in the second half and totally changed the game around became the more dominant team by pressuring the UMSL team all over the field and winning possession of all the 50-50 balls. For the second half the Hawks out shot UMSL 12-6 and drew even with them at the 58 minute mark when freshman Zach Venvertloh (Quincy Senior HS) notched his first goal of the season by picking up a loose ball and driving into the UMSL PA going from his right to left and then sliced a ball back to his left to slip past the out reached arms of the UMSL keeper. At this point it looked like the Hawks we destined to put UMSL away but no more shots found net…until UMSL’s did totally against the second half run of play.

On Sunday9/27 the Hawks were in Evansville (IN) for a match with the University of Southern Indiana. For this match the Hawks came out flying and put constant pressure on USI from the opening kick-off. Throughout the first half the Hawks peppered the USI goal (16 shots to USI’s 7) but were unable to finish. The goals were there for the taking but the shots never found net. Actually USI almost scored first when with the Hawks having a 13-3 shot advantage USI’s 4th shot from about 30 yards out hit the inside of the round goal post and screamed across the whole goal mouth and out the other side. Throughout the whole second half the Hawks still had the better of possession and more shots but were unable to score. Regulation time ended 0-0 and the game went into overtime. Two minutes into the first OT period Jack Wedemeier flicked on a ball over the head of the two USI central defenders and Corey Eatherton slipped past them to pick up the ball, elude the keeper and slot home the game winner putting a fitting end to 92 minutes of great effort by the team to salvage a split of the weekend GLVC matches.

Currently, the Hawks are 5-4-1 overall and 4-2 in the GLVC where they are in a three way tie for third with Rockhurst (who they beat earlier 2-1) and Bellarmine (who they play in Quincy this Sunday 10/4 at 2:30 PM. Prior to the Bellarmine match the Hawks take on Kentucky Wesleyan on Friday 10/2 at 7:30 PM. The Hawks need to be sharp this weekend and notch two victories to stay in contention for a “top four” finish to the regular GLVC Conference season. Even though its only midseason the team knows that each and every match from now on has play-off implications.

If you’re in the neighborhood on QU’s North Campus Field this weekend come on out and support the Hawks. Give’em some hometown home team support to encourage their efforts.

PERFECT WEEKEND…

2009-09-21T16:53:00.000-05:00

The weekend of 9/18 through 9/20/09 was a perfect one for the 2009 Soccer Hawks and for the Hawk NAIA Soccer Championship teams of 1977-1978-1979-1980-1981…and the weather was beautiful too.

The current Soccer Hawks kicked off the weekend with a strong 2-0 win over Missouri S & T who came into “Hawk Country” rated 8th in the latest Regional Poll sponsored by the NSCAA. Jake Pittroff (junior, from St. Louis Oakville HS) notched the first Hawk tally midway through the first half with a blast from 25 yards out. At the 60th minute mark Jayme Groark (senior, from St. Louis CBC HS) hit a terrific bending ball from at least 25 yards out and off to the right side. S & T’s goal keeper had no chance on either shot. Though the offense scored two great goals the defense did it’s part too with GK Kyle Dillman (senior ,Madison WI LaFollette HS) making a couple of tremendous diving saves and the entire Hawk defense coming together to block four rapid fire shots by the Miners from inside 12 yards on one hectic sequence.

On Saturday night players from the QU NAIA National Championship teams of 1977-81 gathered for a dinner of reminiscence about those seasons that saw their group become the first and only NAIA or NCAA Division I or II team to ever win FIVE CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Men’s Collegiate Soccer. After the dinner the Captains of those squads spoke of some of their memories and Coach Jack Mackenzie summed up those championship experiences and presented all squad members a souvenir color poster of the five teams.

On Sunday afternoon the Hawks played new GLVC Member Maryville University and defeated them 5-0. Once again Jake Pittroff opened the Hawk scoring account with a 21st minute goal off an assist by Jayme Groark. Ten minutes later Jack Wedemeier (junior, Cape Girardeau Notre Dame HS) notched a goal off an assist from Jake Pittroff for a 2-0 Hawk half-time lead. At the 53rd minute Pittroff kicked in his second goal of the game after receiving a pass from Wedemeier. Corey Eatherton (junior, Fenton MO Summit HS) scored at the 61st minute off a pass from Greg Schaeffer (junior, St. Louis Oakville HS) by outrunning a Maryville defender to the ball even though that defender had at least a five yard lead when the race for the ball began. Wedemeier knocked in the last goal of the match at the 70th minute as he followed up a blast from Jeff Vaninger (sophomore, St. Louis CBC HS) that was blocked by Maryville’s keeper and then kneed up against the crossbar by Nick Lantz (sophomore, Quincy Senior HS) only to fall into Jack’s path for him to slot home.

The Hawks currently stand at 4-3-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the GLVC. Their next action will be Friday night 9/25 at UMSL (St. Louis) on the Don Dallas Field at 7:30 PM. On Sunday they are in Evansville IN to play the University of Southern Indiana at 2:30 PM. If you get a chance come out and support the team.

IT’S ALWAYS GREAT TO BE A QU HAWK FAN.

BIZZARE GAME!

2009-09-17T12:06:00.001-05:00

You won’t believe this. Yesterday the Soccer Hawks played a game and scored 6 goals…BUT DID NOT WIN. Yesterday the Soccer Hawks played a game and gave up 6 goals…BUT DID NOT LOSE! Yesterday the Soccer Hawks tied Hannibal-LaGrange 6-6 in one of the most bizarre soccer matches ever. The briefest summary of the match is that both teams scored a couple of incredible goals at which one can only applaud the goal scorers…and each team was guilty of horrible defending on numerous occasions. For the Hawks, Jack Wedemeier (Cape Notre Dame) had two first half goals (one extremely well taken) and yet QU was down 3-2 at the half time interval. In the second half Jake Pittroff (St. Louis Oakville HS), hustling all over the field, had FOUR vital scores , the last in the 84th minute to knot the game at 6-6.

In the first half, other than Wedemeier’s two goals the rest of the Hawk play was quite disappointing. In the second half the Hawks finally started putting more effort into their play and started accomplishing more but just when it seemed they had it all together a blunder would be made and they found themselves behind once again. To their credit they did not cave in and just kept battling even though the extra 20 minutes of over time that was played. Besides hurting from this tied match, the Hawks also incurred another hurt when Nate Heryford (St. Charles MO, Francis Howell HS) suffered a fracture in his lower left arm near the wrist area. It is hoped he can get that a cast and padding and be able to play again.

Next up for the Hawks are two very important home GLVC matches this weekend. On Friday night at 7:30 PM they take on the Miners of Missouri S & T at North Campus Field, and then come back on Sunday at 2:30 PM to face off with Maryville University.

GO HAWKS…

SOCCER HAWKS SPLIT GLVC MATCHES…

2009-09-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

On Friday, September 11 the Soccer Hawks won a 2-1 thriller over rival Rockhurst in the second Sudden Death overtime period. Jack Wedemeier (junior from Cape Girardeau MO Notre Dame HS) scored the game winner racing in from the left wing to redirect a nifty centering pass from Ryan Hirtz (junior from St. Dominic HS, O’Fallon MO) who had just pulled a great move in the right corner to elude two defenders. The goal was Wedemeier’s second of the night and his third of the young season. Jack had opened the scoring with a great head shot with just 50 seconds remaining in the first half. Jack’s header was set up by a terrific 50 yard cross field pass from Tyler Easley (sophomore from Summit HS, Fenton MO) who picked up a ball cleared out of the Rockhurst penalty area following a Hawk corner kick attempt. Easley hit a long arching ball to the outside of the far post and Jack nodded in from about 12 yards away. Rockhurst’s goal came in the 60t6h minute on a penalty kick knotting the score at one apiece until the Hirtz-Wedemeier heroics. Rockhurst had pressured the QU back line all night but they, and goal keeper Kyle Dillman (senior from La Follette HS, Madison WI) held strong throughout the contest.

On Saturday, September 12, the Soccer Hawks traveled to Springfield MO for a Sunday match with “top of the conference” Drury University as the undefeated host team. A very fine Drury team defeated the Hawks 2-0 but it seemed obvious that the physical fatigue and emotional stress from the Friday night win over Rockhurst had also taken the spark out of QU’s step as they couldn’t keep up with the Drury Panther’s who had won fairly easily 5-0 playing at home on the previous Friday on their artificial turf field. For the second match in a row and 3rd game in the first 5 a Hawk defender was whistled for a first half foul in the PA and the resulting PK was drilled home leaving Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman no chance at a save. About midway through the second half another Hawk defender was ‘whistled up” for a foul just outside the Penalty Area and the Drury player who nail the first half penalty kick chipped this foul kick re-start over the Hawk defending wall and into the upper 90 degree angle of the goal. This was the second time this year that this Drury goal scored had knocked in both a PK and a shot over the wall in the same game. (The Drury match was the second played this year on an artificial surface and both have proved bothersome to the Hawks who have not adapted to it so well. Two more important away games come up in early October on similar artificial surfaces and it is hoped that the QU players can adapt a bit better in those.) As of today the Hawks are 2-3 -0 overall and 1-1 in GLVC action.

Beginning Wednesday 9/16 the Hawks face three matches within 5 days. On Wednesday the Hawks go over to Hannibal MO to face NAIA non-league Hannibal-LaGrange College in a 4 PM match. Then on Friday 9/18 (7:30 PM kickoff) the hawks are at home to GLVC foe Missouri S & T who are currently 2-0-1 in Conference play, and then on Sunday 9/20 (2:30 PM kickoff) close out the week at home to Maryville currently 0-3 in GLVC play. This is also the weekend for the reunion of the 1977-81 NAIA National Championship teams who will be introduced at halftime on both Friday and Sunday and who will be honored with a dinner in the QU Café Saturday night 9/19.

For the record, the Hawks are pretty banged up right now. Perhaps not mentioned previously was the loss of last season’s leading goal scorer Grant Ellison (junior from St. Dominic HS O’Fallon MO) in the first half of the second game this season to three broken bones in his foot due to a very hard tackle he received. Grant was being counted on for anywhere between 12 and 15 goals this campaign but now is lost for the season. Andy Kling (senior defender from DeSmet HS St. Louis MO) has yet to play a game so far due to hamstring and hip injuries. Numerous other players are nursing various ankle and leg “knocks” keeping them playing in some degree of pain and discomfort. Perhaps this is a good time to rehash the old slogan, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.

GO HAWKS…a lot of people care about you and are pulling for you. Like Liverpool…You’ll never walk alone!

Update on the 2009 Fall Season

2009-09-08T15:17:00.001-05:00

Sorry for not posting QU Soccer Blog Updates recently. I hit the wrong computer key at the wrong time and BAM! I lost my blast e-mail file. If World War III could be started by MY computer errors it would have occurred 10 years or so ago. I still don’t know if I have all my contacts re-entered but I’ve got to start getting Hawk Soccer information out to those I think may be interested. Here’s a quick review of the last month.

On 8/22 the HAWKS played a very good Alumni team. The score at half was 0-0. In the second half the youth and conditioning of the current HAWKS paid off with a 5 -1 win. The Alumni lone goal was scored by Mark Thomas, who had a long-time professional career after leaving QU who was deceivingly the oldest player on the field.

On 8/26 the HAWKS defeated Culver Stockton College 2-0 in an exhibition match. The HAWKS had the better of the play throughout the match and the Wildcats defended well in numbers.

The ’09 season kicked –off for real on 9/1 with a trip to McKendree University. The HAWKS began the game well forcing most of the action in the first 20 minutes getting off several shots and earning several corners. However, not getting a goal during that surge allowed McKendree to get back into the game and eventually start domination. They were rewarded with a PK midway during the first half and converted it for a 1-0 half-time lead. About midway through the second half McKendree was awarded a free kick from outside the penalty area and their shooter scored off a very nice shot making the game 2-0 at that point. In the last 15 minutes of the game the HAWKS put a lot of pressure on the opponent but could not manage a score.

On 9/5 the HAWKS began Soccer Bowl XVI with a 2-0 win over a good Lindenwood University team. The match was scoreless at half-time with perhaps Lindenwood having a little better of the possession during that period. The HAWKS started the second half strong and scored a very nice goal within 45 seconds. Jayme Groark fed the ball to Jack Wedemeier who did a very good job of finishing off the great pass Jayme gave him. Ten minutes later the HAWKS scored again on a nice combination play with Jake Pittroff feeding Jack Wedemeier and Jack very unselfishly squaring the ball across the goal for an unmarked Corey Eatherton to blast home. The rest of the match was a battle between the two penalty areas and the HAWKS stood strong defensively to notch the 2-0 victory.

On 9/6 the HAWKS faced Truman State University for the Championship of Soccer Bowl XVI. The HAWKS were primed and ready to go right from the start and scored a goal within 1:06 of kick-off. Jake Pittroff played the ball across the goal to a waiting Corey Eatherton who place it in the net. Great start! As the game wore on Truman worked themselves back into the match and midway through the half scored on a very nice long range shot from outside the PA, evening up the score at 1-1 at half-time. Twenty minutes into the second half Truman scored again off a very quick re-start just outside the HAWKS 18 yard line. As the HAWKS were forming their defensive wall a crafty Truman player took a chance on a quick shot and nailed it. The HAWKS were caught by surprise as they were expecting the referee to blow a second whistle to restart the play but he didn’t and the goal stood. Over the last 20 minutes of the match the HAWKS threw everything but the “KITCHEN SINK” at the Truman Bulldogs but couldn’t get the equalizing goal. During this time of pressuring the HAWKS had one ball going IN…but a Truman defender raced back behind the keeper and used a heroic slide to nudge the ball just outside the post…AND…missed an open net from the 6 yard line…and had a header bang off the crossbar. A valiant effort was made to save the game but it just didn’t work out for the HAWKS on this occasion.

This coming weekend the HAWKS open GLVC Play with a home match Friday night 9/11 against Rockhurst at 7:30 PM, and then travel to Springfield MO for a Sunday match with Drury University at 2:30 PM.

Updates on these will be sent out next week.

GO HAWKS…

QU SOCCER HAWKS GEARING UP FOR 2009 SEASON

2009-08-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

On Monday, August 10th, QU Soccer Coach Jack Mackenzie will welcome into training camp 18 returning players and 6 new recruits in preparation for the 2009 fall season. Returning Hawks (by class) are:

Seniors (5): Kyle Dillman (GK)…Tom Dawson (B)…Andy Kling (B)…Scott Greubel (B)…Jayme Groark (MF)…
Juniors (7): Abe Dirnberger (B)…Corey Eatherton (MF)…Ryan Hirtz (MF)…Greg Schaeffer (MF)…Jake Pittroff (MF)…Jack Wedemeier (F)…Grant Ellison (F)…
Sophs (6): DJ Lampert (GK)…Matt Seago (B)…Nick Lantz (B)…Tyler Easley (B)…Nate Heryford (MF)…Jeff Vaninger (F)…

New additions include:

Freshmen: Zach Venvertloh (MF) from Quincy High School, Quincy IL… Carl Hodges (B) from Queen Elizabeth Sixth, Sedgefield, England… Ernad Muratovic (MF) from Johnston HS, Urbandale IA… Chul Maeng (F) from Cono Christian HS, Walker IA (Chul is a South Korean student-athlete)… Michael Andres (MF) and Eddie Ragsdale (B) from DeSmet HS, St. Louis MO…

Two-a-day practices start on Tuesday, August 11 with sessions beginning at 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM each day except Sunday.

The Hawks will host the Alumni in a pre-season match on Saturday August 22 at 7 PM at North Campus Field. The rest of the schedule is as follows:

QUINCY UNIVERSITY MEN’S SOCCER
2009 FALL SCHEDULE…As of 7/21/09

Fri. 8/28 Northwood HOME 7:30 PM

Tue. 9/01 @McKendree away 7:00 PM
_________________________________________________________

SOCCER BOWL XVI
Sat. 9/05 Christian Brothers VS Truman State @ Quincy 5:00 PM
Quincy VS Lindenwood HOME 7:30 PM

Sun. 9/06 Christian Brothers VS Lindenwood @ Quincy 5:00 PM
Quincy VS Truman State HOME 7:30 PM

Fri. 9/11 ROCKHURST* HOME 7:30 PM
Sun. 9/13 @ Drury* away 2:30 PM

Wed. 9/16 @ Hannibal-LaGrange away 4:00 PM
Fri. 9/18 MISSOURI S&T* HOME 7:30 PM
Sun. 9/20 MARYVILLE* HOME 2:30 PM

Fri. 9/25 @ UMSL* away 7:30 PM
Sun. 9/27 @ Southern Indiana* away 2:30 PM

Fri. 10/02 KENTUCKY WESLEYAN* HOME 7:30 PM
Sun. 10/04 BELLARMINE* HOME 2:30 PM

Fri.. 10/09 @ Northern Kentucky* away 5:00 PM(Est)
Sun. 10/11 @ Indianapolis* away 2:30 PM(Est)

Fri. 10/16 ST. JOSEPH’S* HOME 7:30 PM
Sun. 10/18 WISCONSIN-PARKSIDE* HOME 2:30 PM

Fri. 10/23 @ Lewis* away 2:30 PM
Sun. 10/25 @ U. of I.-Springfield* away 2:30 PM

Wed. 10/28 @ Columbia College away 7:00 PM

Sun. 11/01 GLVC TOURNAMENT TBA
Fri. 11/06 GLVC SEMI-FINALS TBA
Sun 11/08 GLVC FINALS TBA

Thr. 11/12 NCAA Tournament begins TBA
*GLVC GAMES…HOME GAMES IN BOLD… (Est) Eastern Time Zone

QU Soccer Alunmi Golf Shootout 2009

2009-06-11T13:44:00.005-05:00

Quincy University's Sixth Annual Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout 5/29/2009 at Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea, IL...

There were 36 foursomes ready to move out on to the course!

Since Larry Franzoi ('75) has traveled from Poway, California, to play in all six QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootouts, Coach Jack Mackenzie tees up Larry's ball to start the event.

Coach Jack Mackenzie now suggests to Larry that he shouldn't try to over-power his tee shot...

Apparently not paying attention to his former coach, Larry swings with all his might... Bam!!! The old "exploding ball" trick...

Look what showed up in Coach Jack Mackenzie's Quincy front yard during election season!!!

Go Hawks!

QU Soccer Hawks Earn High Marks…

2009-05-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

For the 6th time in the last seven years the QU Soccer Hawks have been awarded the Athletic Director’s Academic Achievement Award as the QU Men’s Athletic Team with the highest GPA. Every graduating Senior had over a 3.0 GPA, and every Senior graduated within 4 years which is the norm at Quincy University. Of the 18 returning players 15 had GPA’s over 3.0 with 8 of them being over 3.5!

If I may, let me put in a plug with any potential employer receiving this. If you should be looking for a young, intelligent, quality employee you might be well served with one of our graduates. Two earned their Degree in Business Management; two in Marketing; one in Finance; and one in Chemistry. Should you have an interest in any of these get back to me and I’ll put you in touch with them.

GO HAWKS! FLY HIGH!

QUINCY UNIVERSITY MEN’S SOCCER: SPRING RECAP…

2009-05-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

The spring here in Quincy was pretty cold and WET, and interfered with a lot of our soccer plans. Our previous blog was the set up for our initial spring game with the St. Louis Lions. It was cancelled due to extremely wet grounds at the Lion’s stadium and we couldn’t come up with a make up date. Due to the uncertainty of whether games were going to be played or not or if they were going to get switched to another field, and other pressing matters, weekly blog updates were not sent out. Below is a recap of what happened with the Soccer Hawks during spring 2009.

Our April 4th game with William Woods was supposed to be played there, but at the last minute got switched to our QU North Campus Field because the ground at William Woods was unplayable. The game ended in a 0-0 tie with QU having the better of the play throughout the contest. The Hawks had several very good scoring chances but came up empty in the goals column either due to a very nice save by the Woods goal keeper or because we just didn’t convert on a few real good opportunities.

After taking off Easter weekend the Hawks were back in action up in Macomb against WIU on April 18 and lost 0-1 on a goal in the first 5 minutes of action. After converting for a goal on their first shot the WIU Leathernecks had perhaps only one or two more decent opportunities to score throughout the whole game. While the Hawks played quite well defensively (except for the one hiccup on the opening goal) and through the midfield they never launched a serious attack on the WIU goal. It was a real hard fought game with the Hawks standing in toe –to-toe with WIU’s NCAA Division I side.

The Hawks wrapped up the spring schedule with a 0-0 home match on April 25 against neighboring HLG. Hannibal LaGrange had finished the fall 2008 season as the Number 3 ranked NAIA team in their National Poll at the end of the regular season and had lost in the opening round in the NAIA National Tournament on PK’s after drawing through overtime. Once again the Hawks did well defensively never allowing HLG even a glimpse of a scoring chance. However, once again the Hawks did not put any real pressure on the HLG keeper either so the game was a battle mostly between the 18’s. After the contest a PK shoot-out was held just for the practice of it and the Hawks prevailed 3-2.

One of the Hawk’s objectives during the short spring season was to shore up their defense and lessen the number of goals allowed. By giving up only 1 goal in their three games the Hawks responded well. Hopefully in the fall the squad will continue to be stingy on defense and even rack up a number of shutouts. However, they are going to have to work better at producing a lot more scoring opportunities than they did in April and May and converting on many of them if they are going to launch a successful run at the elusive GLVC Championship they’d so like to claim.

On May 4th the Mart Heinen Club hosted their annual Student-Athlete Appreciation Dinner and gave out several awards. Senior Bane Isailovic was honored with the Bro Clete Award given annually to the Senior Athlete with the best combination of athletic and academic ability. Dan Merkel received a H.A.W.K. Award recognizing him for all the work he put into Hawk soccer practices for the past four years and for being a great teammate with a terrific attitude. Bane, Dan and Mike DiSalvo, Steve Miller, Justin Bowser, and Kyle Koenig as graduating seniors all received plaques with the 2008 team photo on them as souvenirs from the Mart Heinen Club as their thank you for being QU athletes.

GO HAWKS…MAKE ’09 THE YEAR!

More later…

QU’S FIRST SPRING GAME…

2009-03-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

The QU Soccer Hawks will play their first spring exhibition game on Sunday, March 29th with the St. Louis Lions PDL team. Kick-off is slated for 2 PM at the Lions home field “The Lions Den”.
The field is located at #2 Woodlands Parkway in Cottleville (MO) 63376. Their phone number is 636-939-5151.

Directions to the field are:

From I-70…go S on Mid Rivers Mall Drive about 3.8 miles to Ohmes Rd and turn right. Follow Ohmes to the second street (Woodland Parkway) and turn right. The complex is on the right.

From I-64/40…go N on Hwy 94 to Mid Rivers Mall Drive and make a left. Follow Mid Rivers Mall Drive about 1.9 miles to Omes Rd. and make a left. Follow Ohmes to second street (Woodlands Pkwy)
and turn right. Complex is on your right.

As with all spring games weather and/or field conditions may force some changes or cancellations. It’s always best to call and make sure that the game will still be played as scheduled.

Coach Jack Mackenzie (217-617-1166, cell #)

Coach Mike Carpenter (217-653-1558, cell #)

Spring Schedule and Notes

2009-02-26T18:49:00.000-06:00

HAWKS…Parents…Alumni…Fans…Media…

Some have been asking about our Spring playing schedule. See below. Also know that Spring schedules are tentative and sometimes get changed for one reason or the other.

It’s always best to call me at (217) 617-1166 to verify if all is A-OK.

Sun. 3/29 in the St. Louis area vs the Lions PDL team at 2 PM. The game site is still TBD.

Sat. 4/04 in Fulton (MO) vs William Woods College (NAIA) at 2 PM.

Sun. 4/12 HAPPY EASTER! TIME FOR CHURCH & FAMILY.

Sat. 4/18 in Macomb (IL) vs WIU (NCAA I) at Noon.

Sat. 4/25 at Home vs Hannibal-LaGrange (NAIA) at 2 PM.

Practice for our Spring season begins on Monday 3/16. Six seniors finished their careers with the last game of 2008 and need to be replaced. Besides training on the basic soccer skills necessary to improve our player’s individually, the Spring season will be used to find out who among our returning 18 squad members will step in to replace our graduates. Therefore it’s fair to say that some experimenting will take place with what positions players will be asked to play in and also that a few different playing systems will be looked at.

When we begin Spring drills Assistant Coach Chris Mackenzie will be cutting back his time with the team quite drastically and will serve mostly as a volunteer coach, helping out only when he has time. Chris’ primary job as a Financial Consultant is taking up more and more of his time as he assumes a greater leadership role with his company, Investment Planner’s Inc. Also, since he, and his wife Leigh and son Julian have welcomed Isabella into their home he’s needed there much more than before. Isabella is the little girl they adopted from Ethiopia last March and so with his family expanded Chris needs more time for them. And, as if adopting Isabella isn’t enough in itself Chris, Leigh and Julian have led a fund drive here in Quincy that has raised thousands of dollars for the orphanage Isabella came from. Little six-year old Julian was a major player in this fund drive as he went around giving talks about where his little sister came from and how poor all those people over there are. They are departing from Quincy on March 11 and are taking that money, and lots of supplies over to the orphanage. While there they are hoping to help build a kitchen area, and on another planned visit back at a later date they are hoping to help build a well for a better, cleaner water supply. So, Chris is going to be very busy. However, don’t be surprised to see him back with us now and again when time allows him. I hope so anyway because I cherish his involvement with our team.

Coach

QU SOCCER ALUMNI NEWS

2009-01-23T14:45:00.002-06:00

Dear Soccer Alum,

I hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you all the best for the New Year.

Our 2008 fall season finished 9-6-2. It was a winning season, but not as good a season as we expected. I believe all, players and coaches, are disappointed that we didn’t do better. We got off to a good start winning 5 in a row, including winning Soccer Bowl XV for only the third time in the last 15 years. Then the ‘wheels fell off the wagon’ and we lost 4 in a row (ugh). From our last 8 games we won 4, lost 2, and tied 2. We recovered, but not well enough to achieve what we had hoped for.

Completing their QU soccer career at the close of the 2008 season were starting defenders Steve Miller (DeSmet HS); Kyle Koenig (Quincy Notre Dame HS); Bane Isailovic (Belgrade Serbia)…starting midfielders Justin Bower (Quincy Notre Dame HS) and Mike DiSalvo (Whitfield HS in St. Louis)…and reserve forward Dan Merkel (St. Anthony HS in Effingham IL). All were very good teammates and contributors to the Hawk soccer program . They will be missed.

Award winners from the 2008 season were:
Most Improved Player…Ryan Hirtz (SO. from St. Dominic HS in O’Fallon)
Silver Boot Award…….Grant Ellison (SO. from St. Dominic HS in O’Fallon)
Gold Boot Award……..Jack Wedemeier (SO from Notre Dame HS in Cape Girardeau)
Best Defensive Payer…Bane Isailovic (SR from Belgrade, Serbia)
Most Valuable Player…Bane Isailovic (SR from Belgrade, Serbia)

Grant Ellison was selected to the ALL-GLVC 3rd Team
Bane Isailovic was chosen to the ALL-GLVC 1st Team

Bane Isailovic was also chosen to the 2nd Team All-Region Teams sponsored by both the NSCAA and by Daktronics.

During Homecoming Weekend 2008 both John Gallo and Craig Hingle were inducted into the QU Hall of Fame as outstanding Hawk soccer players as was the 1975 NAIA National Championship team. These inductions brought a lot of soccer players and their families and friends back for the HOF Banquet to celebrate with all the honorees. It made for a great night. I believe all really enjoyed getting back together here at QU reliving the great times they had here.

You may recall from my last Soccer Alumni Newsletter that I said I mentioned that I wanted to bring the teams of 1977-1978-1979-1980-1981 back to Quincy to celebrate their winning FIVE CONSECUTIVE NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. This was the first time any Men’s college soccer team…from any Division (NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA, NCCAA) had ever won 5 in a row (quite an achievement). In my last Newsletter I said the reunion date would correspond to QU’s 2009 Homecoming Weekend (10/23-25/09). HOWEVER, that will NOT be the weekend of the reunion because our GLVC playing schedule has been changed due to the inclusion of two more teams joining the Conference and we are now scheduled to play on the road 10/23 & 25.

The new weekend chosen for this reunion is September 18-20, 2009. The current Soccer Hawks will play two home games that weekend (Fri. 9/18 with Missouri S & T (Rolla) and Sun. 9/20 with Maryville. The reunion banquet will be on Sat.urday evening 9/19. I hope that all who were part of the 1977-81 Soccer Hawks…and I mean ALL (not just the 18 players that the NAIA limited me to take to the Finals) because every year it took the hard work of ALL on the squad (those who played a lot, and those who just practiced against them to make them better) to achieve the success each team earned.

I will get a separate mailing out to all the players on the ’77-’81 teams with more information about the event. Soccer Alums fro other years are most certainly welcome to join in with the celebration of the Quincy Soccer Tradition. If you want the event arrangements that I’ll be sending to those on the ’77-’81 teams just let me know and I’ll forward that information to you. I want this to be as inclusive as possible for all QU soccer alums.

Our QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootout in May was once again a great success. We had 32 foursomes playing and quite a few others join in at dinner and the social that followed.
Thanks to our loyal golf committee (Jim Eagan, Erv Pesek, Bob Hanson, Bill Fann, Craig Hingle, Paul Geerling, Mike Gallo) for all the work they have put into this event over the past 5 years. They are the ones who make it a “happening”. Thanks to our major sponsors Marty Schafer, Drury Southwest Inc., Wachovia Securities, Bill Lawrence, and Tom Dawson who underwrite a good portion of the event. And thanks to all who purchased hole sponsorships or who donated items as prizes or for the auction, particularly Dave Brunette and Brian Belobradic who came through for us big time. Of course, thanks to those of you who come and play golf. This event is a great way for you guys to keep connected with each other and to keep connected to the soccer program and the university as well. If you haven’t been to one of our QU Soccer Alumni Golf Shootouts you’ve missed out on a real good time. THE DATE FOR OUR EVENT IN 2009 WILL BE, FRIDAY, MAY 29. MARK THAT DOWN. SEE YOU THEN!

For QU’s Homecoming weekend in 2009 (10/23-25) I want to encourage a whole lot of you guys to come back for that one. Why? Because that’s when QU is going to celebrate the Hawk Soccer Teams of 1977-1978-1979-1980-1981…the teams who won FIVE CONSECUTIVE NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Throughout the entire 2009-10 school-year (QU’s 150th) the University is celebrating a number of special occasions. You were chosen for Homecoming because you were the first and only Men’s collegiate soccer team in America to accomplish this feat. Please make note of the date (10/23-25) and make plans to be here.

Congratulations to Bob Pollihan who will be inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame on September 19th, and congratulations to Mike DiRaimondo who was inducted into the DuBourg Hall of Fame last Spring.

In case you hadn’t heard, I was honored at QU’s graduation on May 18th with an Honorary Degree, along with former Athletic Director/Basketball Coach John Ortwerth, Women’s Coach Sharlene Peter, and History professor Dave Costigan. All were recognized for many years of service to QC/QU. This was a real surprise to all of us. If any of you may have been wondering when I was going to retire let me say it won’t be for a while yet. I just signed a three year contract renewal to coach our team through the 2010 season. If my health holds up to see me through the next three seasons I will have coached here for six decades. Wow. It’s been a great run and I hope to finish out strongly and successfully. My passion for Hawk Soccer still runs high.

This Fall’s Alumni game at North Campus Field will be on Saturday night, August 23. Kick-off will be at 7 PM. If you plan on playing will you please let me know by
e-mailing me back so I know who to expect? You can get our 2008 schedule and roster by going to www.quincy.edu and clicking on to the Men’s Soccer section. I hope you get a chance to see us play either in Quincy or at a venue near where you live.

Best wishes,

Jack

If I may, let me give you something to think about and reflect on. The other day one of our younger coaches was talking to me about the many years I’ve coached here. He said, “With as long as you’ve been here, and with all the success you’ve had, I’ll bet you get a lot of donations and support from your former players”. My answer was no, I really don’t. I only get support from my golf committee, and the sponsors, donors and golfers who participate in that one event. (And thank God for them.) Otherwise, basically nothing comes back to the soccer program (or even to QU as an institution) from the majority who have benefited from their experiences here on the soccer field, in the classroom, and around the campus. When I send out these Soccer Alumni Newsletters, I personally attach the mailing label on to each envelope. As I put each label on the envelope I look at the name of the player and recall his experiences here. The majority (not all) have had some tremendous experiences and benefits from attending QC/QU and being a member of this storied soccer program. I see names of players who got pretty good scholarships…who played on one or more National Championship teams…who got to make a foreign playing trip to places like Israel, Central America, Holland, Mexico, Scotland, England…who during the regular season were flown to Florida, New York, California, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina…and I wonder why so many neglect to “give back” to the program and school who provided them with so much. Why? This soccer program and university has never been and will not ever be perfect. However, the soccer program and university have honestly striven to provide all of you with the best we have to give. If you will, please think about this. If you had a lot benefits and good experiences while here, and perhaps have been negligent in “giving back”, please consider finding a time (and a way) when you can get on board and help the Soccer Hawks and Quincy University progress and excel for the benefit of our current and future students.

SOCCER HAWKS RECEIVE AWARDS…

2008-12-08T13:08:00.002-06:00

Four QU Soccer Hawks picked up awards at the team’s end of season get together Sunday evening. Ryan Hirtz, a sophomore from St. Dominic HS in O’Fallon (MO) was selected by his teammates as the squad’s Most Improved Player while Grant Ellison, also a sophomore from St. Dominic HS earned the Silver Boot Award as the team’s second leading scorer with 9 goals. Jack Wedemeier, a sophomore from Notre Dame HS in Cape Girardeau (MO) won the Gold Boot Award for being the team’s top point maker with 7 goals and 5 assists. Branko (Bane) Isailovic, a senior from Belgrade, Serbia, took home two plaques as he was selected by his teammates as the squad’s Best Defender and also as the Most Valuable Player.

The end of the 2008 season completes the careers of six senior players who have given a great deal to the Hawk soccer program over the years. Besides ‘Bane’ Isailovic, the Hawks are also losing the services of defenders Steve Miller and Kyle Koenig, midfielders Justin Bower and Mike DiSalvo, and forward Dan Merkel. All will be missed. The coaching staff wishes them the very best in whatever they choose to do with the rest of their life.

Hawk coaches sincerely thank all the players for the hard work they put in during the season, and also want to thank the parent’s of the players for their interest and support. Thanks also to the alums and fans who came out to watch the team play. We appreciate you being there.

Even though losing six seniors from the squad the Hawks look forward the 2009 season bolstered by the fact that they have close to 20 returning players, including 11 who started at one time or the other during the 2008 campaign. The coaching staff is looking to recruit 4-5 new additions to put the team in a position to better meet the challenges of the 2009 season successfully.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

GO HAWKS…

THREE SOCCER HAWKS RECEIVE POST-SEASON HONORS…

2008-10-30T14:42:00.003-05:00

The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) has just announced that QU senior defender Branko Isailovic has been selected to the ALL-GLVC First Team and that sophomore striker Grant Ellison was selected to the ALL-GLVC Third Team. Congratulations to both of them on their fine season that earned them these honors.

Also, sophomore midfielder Jack Wedemeier has been named as Third Team Academic ALL -America (from District V) by ESPN “The Magazine” for his performance on the soccer field and in the classroom. Another well deserved honor. The QU soccer program is proud of these outstanding achievements.

GO HAWKS!

SOCCER HAWKS 2008 SEASON COMES TO AN END…

2008-10-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

With a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Rockhurst on Friday night (10/24) and an equally hard-fought 3-3 tie with UMSL on Sunday (10/26) the 2008 season for the Soccer Hawks came to an end.

The game between the Rockhurst Hawks and the QU Soccer Hawks was dead even in every way (statistics, possession, chances) except for one touch of the ball that resulted in the RU goal. The game was played on a soft, slushy field with the usual intensity of a QU-RU battle. Both teams played all out are commended for what each put into the match.

Sunday’s match with UMSL was played in extremely windy conditions that put the team playing from the south end of the field to the north end in a very difficult position of battling wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour as well as the opposing team. The Hawks had the advantage of the wind at their backs during the first half and scored three goals to put them in what looked to be a safe lead. However, with just about a minute left in that half UMSL struck for a goal against the wind that gave them some life going into the intermission. During the second half it appeared that the wind grew even stronger and kept the Hawks pinned down in their own end for most of the period as UMSL was on constant attack ultimately earning a head ball goal in the 69th minutes and then being awarded a penalty kick that was converted in the 80th minute that tied the score. In the first 10-minute overtime period the Hawks nearly won the game (still going against the wind) but unfortunately the shot hit the post instead of the net. With neither team able to get a shot off during the second 10-minutes overtime period the game ended tied at 3-3.

For the year the Hawks finished 9-6-2, a winning record but not quite the season that was anticipated. After getting off to a great 5-0 start the squad hit a mid-season slump going 0-4 during that time. Then, after regrouping, the Hawks finished out the season with 4 wins, 2 losses (both to nationally ranked teams), and 2 ties. The 2008 Hawks featured six senior players (Mike DiSalvo, Steve Miller, Bane Isailovic, Kyle Koenig, Justin Bower, and Dan Merkel). Each one has given their all for the team throughout their career at QU and each will be missed not only as a player but as a fine individual. Those staying behind wish them all the very best throughout the rest of their life.

GO HAWKS…CAN’T WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR!

QU SOCCER HAWKS TIE AND WIN ON THE ROAD…

2008-10-20T13:30:00.005-05:00

On Friday 10/17 the Soccer Hawks and the Missouri S & T Miners (Rolla) played to a 0-0 tie through the full 90 minutes of regulation plus 20 minutes of overtime. Although it was a scoreless match there was plenty on great soccer played by both teams along with great intensity and effort. Each team played all out going for a win and both had several very good scoring chances, though none materialized. Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman made a couple excellent saves to preserve his “clean sheet”. A win at Rolla would have been a more beneficial result. However, the tie still keeps the Hawks in the hunt for a GLVC post season opportunity.

Sunday, 10/19 produced a great 2-0 win for the QU kickers over a very good Drury team. Playing against a real strong wind in their face during the first half the Hawks strung a lot of nice short passes along the ground and did a very good job of possessing the ball and controlling the tempo of the play. Their patience and possession paid of big dividends at the end of the half as they hit for two quick goals just before the half-time whistle. Greg Schaeffer got the first (and eventual winning) goal on a nice cross field ground pass from the left on a nifty feed from Abe Dirnberger during a Hawk counter attack breakaway. QU’s second tally just a couple minutes later came off a header by Jack Wedemeier on a terrific curling cross from the right wing sent in by Jayme Groark. The second half, though scoreless, was packed with action as Drury desperately clawed away trying to get themselves back into the match. However, the Hawks held strong and did all the necessary things to play out the game and secure the win.

Currently, the Hawks are 9-5-1 and. Their 4-5-1 record in the very competitive 13-team GLVC has them tied for 7th place with two home games left to play, Friday (10/24) against the League’s number one team, Rockhurst, at 5 PM at North Campus Field, and on Sunday (10/26) at Noon against long-time rival UMSL, again at North Campus Field. Good results in these two matches might earn a coveted play-off berth.

GO HAWKS!

HAWKS FALL TO LEWIS 2-0…

2008-10-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

On Friday night 10/10 the Soccer Hawks lost to Lewis University 2-0 in an important GLVC match. The Lewis Flyers, highly ranked in the NCAA Division II National pole pretty much had the better of the play throughout, particularly in the second half. Lewis scored at the 40th minute mark of the first half on a header off a corner kick and again at 52nd minute mark on a shot from close range. This loss drops the Hawks record to 8-5 overall, and 3-5 within the GLVC.

This upcoming weekend the Hawks travel to play Missouri S & T (Rolla, MO) on Friday, October 17th at 7:30 PM and Drury University (Springfield, MO) on Sunday, October 19th at 2:30 PM. The following weekend the Hawks are at home to Rockhurst on Friday, October 24th at 5 PM and then host UMSL on Sunday, October 26th at Noon. All matches are critical, particularly the match with the Rolla Miners Friday night. With a strong finish in these four contests the Hawks could still earn a GLVC tournament spot.

Now IS the time…Fire Up QU…GO HAWKS…

SOCCER HAWKS WIN TWO GLVC GAMES…

2008-10-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, October 5th the Hawks defeated the University of Southern Indiana 4-3 and on Monday, October 6th they defeated Bellarmine University 3-, with both games played on the road.

In Sunday’s USI’s game the Hawks were awarded a PK just two minutes into the match, but missed it. Over the course of the rest of the half the Hawks had several other good opportunities to score but were either denied by the opposing keeper or shots narrowly missed. Eight minutes into the second half USI broke the scoreless deadlock with a goal for a 1-0 lead. That score fortunately aroused the Hawks who then went on a scoring spree with Grant Ellison notching 3 goals in an eleven minute span. Grant’s incisive runs and accurate shooting were assisted by Corey Eatherton, Ryan Hirtz, and Jayme Groark. However, the Screaming Eagles fought back with a goal of their own at the 79th minute mark to draw them closer at 3-2 but that score line only lasted a minute until Jake Pittroff put the Hawks back up 4-2. The final 10 minutes of the match were action packed with both teams having additional opportunities to score and USI eventually netting a late goal in the 90th minute to round out the score at 4-3 in favor of QU and a precious GLVC win.

On Monday, October 6th the Hawks played Bellarmine in Evansville (IN) in the make up of their game that was previously rained out back on September 14. The Hawks started the Bellarmine match without the services of Grant Ellison their hat trick scorer of the day before. On Grant’s third goal in the Sunday game he pulled a hamstring muscle and did not have the mobility to suit up against Bellarmine. Even without Ellison the Hawks got off to a flying start with a nicely orchestrated goal in the 11th minute when Jayme Groark sent in a cross from the left wing that sailed all the way across and past the far bar where CoreyEatherton met it with a header that he played back into the middle of the goal mouth for Justin Bower to run on to and knock in. Then, 23 minutes later Groark was again free on the left wing to play in another cross to the far bar where this time Corey Eatherton met it with a volley into the net to make the score 2-0 in favor of the Hawks. At the 73rd minute BU scored to make it a 2-1 game and the action was fast and furious from that point on with both teams challenging each other with all they had. At the 85th minute Abe Dirnberger while applying pressure to BU’s right back and won the ball and played into Greg Schaeffer who slid the ball under the BU keeper to make the final score 3-1 for the Hawks third victory since Wednesday October 1st and another important GLVC win.

Next up for the Hawks is a date with nationally ranked Lewis University on Friday, October 10th. Kick-off is slated at 5 PM.

GO HAWKS.

SOCCER HAWKS BOUNCE BACK…DEFEAT TRUMAN 3-1…

2008-10-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday 10/1 the QU Soccer Hawks defeated Truman State University with 3 second half goal strikes for a 3-1 win to break a four game losing streak. Bane Isailovic headed home the first goal at the 59 minute mark off a well-placed free kick from Steve Miller. Miller laid up a nice curving ball to the far post and Isailovic beat everyone to it to notch his 5th goal of the season. Five minutes later Jake Pittroff put Grant Ellison free at the top of the Penalty Area where he beat the Bulldog keeper for his 5th goal on the ’08 campaign. Truman narrowed the Hawk lead to 2-1 in the 86th minute with a shot from outside the 18 that hit off a Hawk defender and went into the opposite side of the goal from where Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman was headed on the initial kick. The Hawks killed off any possible Truman rally in the 90th minute when Isailovic launched a powerful header from near the midfield strip that Grant Ellison ran on to and held off a Bulldog defender as he raced into the box and hit a rocket into the upper 90 degree angle of the near post for his 6th goal strike this season.

The Hawks play next at Southern Indiana in Evansville at Noon on Sunday 10/5, and then stay over in Evansville to play Bellarmine University on Monday 10/6 at 2:30 PM.

It’s a great time to be a Hawk!

SOCCER HAWKS DROP TWO MORE…

2008-09-29T19:53:00.001-05:00

It is hard to report that the QU Soccer Hawks lost two more games over this past weekend. On Friday 9/26 the Hawks were up-ended by St. Joseph’s at home 3-2. This was the Pumas first win over the Hawks since 1998. The Hawks out shot St. Joe 26 to 12 and had 15 shots on goal to their 7 but they captured the most important stat (the W) with their game-winner coming in the 87th minute.

On Sunday, the Hawks gifted Wisconsin-Parkside a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes and then gifted them a gain with a stunning goal 13 seconds into the second half. Though reeling from being 3 goals down the players did muster up some fight to earn a consolation goal in the 80th minute making the final score line 3-1 in favor of UWP.

This week the Hawks will strive to regroup and push on with the second half of their playing season. On Wednesday 10/1 they travel to Kirksville to play Truman State. Then on the weekend they travel to Evansville to play Southern Indiana on Sunday 10/5 and then stay over in Evansville to Play Bellarmine University on Monday 10/6 in the make up game for the one cancelled on 9/14 due to poor field conditions in Quincy at the time.

These are tough times for the Hawks…but it’s always great to be a Hawk and trust that the team will battle back to achieve some measure of satisfaction from this season before it’s over.

SOCCER HAWKS SUFFER “LOST WEEKEND”…

2008-09-22T13:57:00.001-05:00

September 19-21 was a “LOST WEEKEND” for the Soccer Hawks. On Friday, 9/19 the Hawks lost 2-1 to Northern Kentucky University (NKU) who were ranked #1 in the nation at the NCAA DII level. Unfortunately, the Hawks started off rather timidly against the nation’s top ranked team and were playing “back on their heels” as NKU came out strong and pinned the Hawks in their own end early on. NKU pressure paid off with a goal in the 15th minute mark. After that “slap in the face” the Hawks regrouped and started playing more aggressively and began getting back into the game. The two teams battled on until in the 82nd minute QU’s Bane Isailovic hit a fierce free kick past NKU’s 4-man wall from 28 yards out to knot the score at 1-1. With overtime just minutes away NKU broke the deadlock at the 87th minute mark with an attack that kept the ball “alive” in the QU penalty area resulting in a Hawk defender being pressured into clearing the ball into his own net for a dreaded “own goal” that finished the Hawks off.

On Sunday, September 21 the Hawks got off to a good start against the University of Indianapolis with a Grant Ellison goal just 4:09 minutes into the match. The Hawks continued to dominate the match for about another 10 to 15 minutes before Indy started to gain momentum in their play. At the 29th minute the Indy Greyhounds struck for a breakaway goal…and the Hawks collapsed…allowing additional goals at the 32nd and 37th minutes of the first half, putting the Hawks into a very deep hole. Three Hawk players were injured during the first half and could not play in the second stanza. Never-the-less, the Hawks tried to muster a comeback during the second 45 minutes of play but try as they did they were not successful. With the Hawks pushing up trying to score the goals they need in order to force a tie, Indy hit them for goals in the 80th and 81 minutes to kill the game off. The Hawks left the field with heads hanging, knowing that this was an embarrassing loss.

The “LOST WEEKEND” OF 9/19-12 IS OVER. That has to be put aside and a new focus, and renewed energy, must be put into moving forward and preparing for the upcoming games on Friday, 9/26 against St. Joseph’s and Sunday, 9/28 against Wisconsin-Parkside, two more very important GLVC matches…and the first Hawk HOME matches since 8/31. Everything that can possibly be done to have the team READY for these crucial games will be covered during this weeks training sessions. If you get a chance, come on out to one or both of these upcoming matches and have your spirit and support help lift the Hawks to 2 victories.

GO HAWKS…

HAWKS MOVE TO 5 & 0 WITH 5-1 WIN…

2008-09-17T13:09:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, the Soccer Hawks upped their record to 5 & O with their 5-1 win over Culver-Stockton College. The match was played on the C-S C campus on a very soggy field that made a nice sharp-passing game difficult. Fighting against the soggy playing surface and a fired up Wildcat team the Hawks were only able to put up one score on the board during the first 45 minutes of play. That goal came at the 20 minute mark when Jack Wedemeier knocked in a rebound off a Grant Ellison shot partially blocked by the Wildcat keeper.

The Hawks second goal came 15 minutes into the second half when Grant Ellison followed up his own shot that again was only partially blocked on the initial try. Similarly, QU’s third goal resulted from Jack Wedemeier following up his blast from the 18 yards line that was blocked but he was able to run onto as it slithered away from the C-S C goalie. Andy Kling notched the Hawk’s fourth score with a real bullet from about 12 yards out after receiving a nice cross field pass from Ryan Hirtz. And Hirtz rounded out the Hawk scoring when he picked up a loose ball off a corner kick that was on the ground about 15 yards from net when he banged it home. The last three Hawk goals came in the final 15 minutes of the game.

The Wildcats put a point on the board with less than a minute remaining when they were awarded a Penalty Kick.

The Hawks again hit the road this weekend facing GLVC opponents Northern Kentucky University on Friday 9/19 and the University of Indianapolis on 9/12.

GO HAWKS!

HAWKS DEFEAT KENTUCKY WESLEYAN 1-0…BELLARMINE MATCH POSTPONED…

2008-09-13T17:31:00.001-05:00

On Friday, 9/12 the Hawks defeated KWU 1-0. Corey Eatherton (soph.from Summit HS in Fenton MO) notched the game winner with just over 5 minutes remaining in the match. Jack Wedemeier (soph. from Cape Notre Dame) got the assists on Eatherton’s fine finish. The win moves the Hawks to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in the GLVC. The game was played on a brutally hot and humid day with the weather taking its toll on all the players. Fortunately the Hawks fitness held up and allowed them to “gut out” the win.

The Bellarmine Game (Sunday 9/14) has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at North Campus Field. The GLVC will reschedule the match at a later date.

GO HAWKS!

SOCCER HAWKS DEFEAT GRACELAND 2-1…

2008-09-07T22:09:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, September 6, the QU Soccer Hawks defeated Graceland University 2-1 in a well-played, hard-fought soccer match on the Truman State University campus. It was a big win for the Hawks as they were playing against a very good team and had to come from behind to get the victory. For those unfamiliar with Graceland University, they are an excellent NAIA team. They are always in the NAIA National Tournament bracket and were the NAIA National Champions as recently as 2006. They are a skilled team with quite a few international players as mainstays in their line-up. Graceland entered the contest with the Hawks rated as the #8 NAIA team in the nation.

Statistically the game was a stalemate except for the one stat that counts the most (the Hawks having the winning goal). On the field it was a real battle with both teams having other good chances at scoring in addition to the 3 goals actually notched in the contest. The Hawks though had more of the better chances with shots banging off the crossbar twice and another saved off the line by a defender. Hawk keeper Kyle Dillman (from LaFollette HS in Madison WI) made several crucial saves with his courageous play, especially early on in the first half. Kyle, along with the help of the strong defenders in front of him kept the Hawks in the game until the offense could get untracked.

After Graceland scored in the 58th minute, the Hawks came back strong with their tying goal headed home in the 70th minute by Jack Wedemeier off a cross from his high school teammate (at Cape Notre Dame) Abe Dirnberger. The goal resulted from Hawk pressure on the Graceland backs with Grant Ellison (St. Dominic HS, O’Fallon MO) forcing one of their defenders into Dirnberger’s path so that Abe could strip him of the ball and get off his cross. The Hawks second goal came just 6 minutes later when Wedemeier picked up a loose ball near midfield an played it to junior forward Jayme Groark (CBC HS St. Louis MO) who hit a pass that split the Graceland defense and found Dirnberger knifing between two defenders to control the ball and slot it home.

All in all the Graceland game was a good effort by all the Hawks and showed they could come from behind and dig out victory in a very tight match. On Sunday, August 7, the Hawks were supposed to play the University of the Incarnate Word over on the Truman State University Campus but that match was cancelled by the Truman athletic staff as a heavy rain on Saturday night-Sunday morning left their field with standing water. Attempts by the Hawks to have Incarnate come to Quincy to play were unsuccessful.

The next outings for the Hawks will be Friday, September 12 in Owensboro (KY) at Noon vs Kentucky Wesleyan University in the opening round of GLVC action. The Hawks will then return to their home North Campus Field to play Bellarmine, another GLVC foe, on Sunday September 14th again at NOON.

GO HAWKS!

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...

QU Splits Weekend for Third Time

2007-10-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

Parents, Fans, Media, and of course Players...Blog Update ...Friday (9/28) was a real HIGH...followed by a Sunday 9/30 LOW...

Friday (9/28) WOW! What an ending...an overtime 40-yard dash down the left sideline that launched a terrific on-the-run left-footed cross by Abe Dirnberger (at the end line) to the head of a streaking Jack Wedemeier coming in at the far post who put the ball in the back of the net of the "Sudden Victory" game winner. When the ball hit the net the QU bench raced out onto the field to celebrate the badly needed win. Sean Flaherty had earned the Hawks a tie with his 1st half goal coming just one minute after Bellarmine had take a 1-0 lead.

This QU-BU match was a very hard fought battle with the Hawks picking up injuries to two of its defenders. Scott Greubel suffered a head cut in a collision with the BU player while dueling for a headball and had to leave the game in the first half. Bane Isailovic further hurt his injured knee but stayed on to finish the match. Much physical and emotional energy was expended in this tense GLVC match.

Saturday, after traveling by bus from BU to NKU the Hawks (both Men's and Women's Teams) were treated to another GREAT MEAL by alums Terry and Mary Ellen Dunn. Close to 50 of us enjoyed the terrific hospitality of an evening in the Dunn's compound, along with a full meal of salad, meat, potatoes, beans, brownies, pumpkin bars, and cookies. This is about the 5th time Terry and Mary Ellen have welcomed our teams into their home. We certainly appreciate their loyal support.

Sunday (9/30) wasn't our day. We entered into the contest with NKU (ranked 1st in the GLVC and 2nd in the Nation) without the services of Bane Isailovic who's knee wasn't up to it, and with Scott Greubel bravely saying he was "ready to go". Scott played a great first half but wasn't able to continue on for the second half. We battled the NKU Norse but they were just too strong for us and we lost 1-0. However, to be honest it could have been 4-0 if it weren't for several great saves from our goal keeper Kyle Dillman. NKU is a fast and physical team and really knows how to play on its artificial surface. They are undefeated at 12-0.

What lies ahead?

Our Home games on this Friday 10/5 (Rolla) and Sunday 10/7 (UMSL) are very important matches for us. Even though these teams don't have winning records they will be very tough opponents for us as the rivalry between our teams is fierce. Our players will need to be totally focused on playing their best this weekend and we can use all the fan support we can get. We are currently 5 & 3 in the GLVC. We have 5 conference games left. Three are with teams currently below us in the standings (Rolla-UMSL-& St. Joe). These are must win games if we have any post-season hopes. Two are with teams currently ahead of us (SIU-E and Indianapolis). These are games where we will be listed as the underdog going into them. So you see, we have great challenges and even greater opportunities.

It's a GREAT TIME TO BE A HAWK!

Homecoming Weekend a Rollercoaster Ride for the Hawks

2007-09-23T18:11:00.000-05:00

QU Hawks vs. Lewis University

It was a heart-breaking loss on Friday night as the Hawks lost 1-0 against Lewis University. After a slow start, the Hawks took control of the game and looked to take the lead with a penalty kick being awarded to them late in the 2nd half. The PK hit the crossbar and Lewis University raced the ball down the field and put it in the Hawk's net just minutes later. The Hawks continued to knock on the door, but couldn't score.

QU Hawks vs. Wisconsin Parkside

What looked to be Quincy University's worst performance of the year turned out to be an incredible comeback as the Hawks beat Wisconsin Parkside 3-2 Sunday afternoon. Nothing was clicking for the Hawks during the entire first half, and the Hawks were down 1-0. At half-time Coach Jack Mackenzie told the players, "You're either going to look in the mirror tonight and say to yourself 'I blew it. I gave the game to Parkside' or you're going to look into that mirror and say 'I did it! I turned defeat into victory!' You've got 45 minutes to decide which way it's going to be."

Bouncing back from missing the penalty kick Friday night, Jayme Groark took the field in the second half with fire in his eyes, scored two beautiful goals, and assisted on Justin Bower's bullet to the far post to win the game. The entire team picked up their level of play and again showed what this team is made of.

The Hawks are now 7-2-1 (4-2 in the GLVC) and take to the road this weekend to face a very strong Bellarmine team on Friday night and nationally-ranked Northern Kentucky University on Sunday.