L -r: Former Assistant Coach Tommy Howe, Rich Kern `76, Neil Houtsma `75, Kim Perez `76, Skip Begley `74 `86, Jack Weisberg `77, Mike Balek `75, Gary Slettum `78, Neil Flynn `75 MA-`76, John Sanders `74, Athletic Director Paul Bubb `01, Mike Ebert `77, Steve Kruse `75, Mario Colody and Sean McManus `76.
MACOMB, IL - The bond between a coach and their players often transcends the boundaries of the field. It becomes a shared journey, a mentorship that goes beyond winning games, shaping lives in profound ways. This is precisely the kind of relationship that has inspired the alumni of the Western Illinois University Men's Soccer Team to establish a nearly $30,000 endowed scholarship in the name of their beloved Leatherneck Hall of Fame coach, John MacKenzie.
"When alumni step up on their own to honor and recognize a coach, as the men's soccer alumni have done for Coach MacKenzie, you know the impact of the coach and the program has been significant in the lives of these former players," said Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb. "I appreciate the legacy established by Coach MacKenzie and the support for our program by the alumni."
John MacKenzie served as the head coach of the WIU Men's Soccer Team for nearly three decades, from 1968-1996. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the team have left an indelible mark on generations of student-athletes. Recognizing the profound impact Coach MacKenzie had on their lives, former players, led by Joseph 'Skip' Begley, rallied together to create the John MacKenzie Alumni Soccer Scholarship endowment, a lasting tribute to the man who not only taught them the art of soccer but instilled in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
The scholarship, with an initial endowment of nearly $30,000, reflects the deep gratitude that the alumni have for Coach MacKenzie. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of his coaching and mentorship. The scholarship aims to provide financial support to current and future Leatherneck men's soccer student-athletes, helping them pursue their academic and athletic dreams.
WIU alumni who have been part of Coach MacKenzie's soccer family have expressed their profound appreciation for his guidance and support.
"My interest to establish this scholarship is based on my feelings of being a successful teacher, coach and friend to many," said Joseph 'Skip' Begley. "I believe that Macomb, Western Illinois University, and John MacKenzie were critical factors in my success. Working to establish this scholarship validates a legacy to WIU Soccer and Coach MacKenzie for myself and many of his former players."
The John MacKenzie Alumni Soccer Scholarship serves as a touching tribute to a coach who has left an undeniable imprint on countless lives. Coach MacKenzie's legacy will continue to inspire and support the dreams of men's soccer student-athletes at WIU, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who wear the purple and gold with pride.
In photo:
L -r: Former Assistant Coach Tommy Howe, Rich Kern `76, Neil Houtsma `75, Kim Perez `76, Skip Begley `74 `86, Jack Weisberg `77, Mike Balek `75, Gary Slettum `78, Neil Flynn `75 MA-`76, John Sanders `74, Athletic Director Paul Bubb `01, Mike Ebert `77, Steve Kruse `75, Mario Colody and Sean McManus `76.
