Coaches Hall of Fame

Coach "Mac" was known as the "Ageless Coach" - and properly so. At the time of his induction, he continued to serve as a volunteer football coach at Eureka College at the wonderful age of 95.

His coaching career started at Eureka College in 1921 where he coached all sports through 1936. Later coaching positions took him to Wartburg College in Iowa and Northern Illinois University, where he became a legend as head basketball and baseball coach.

His retirement years brought him home to Eureka and the College he loves so dearly. Helping coach football served his first love - football - his 68th year coaching the sport. He says, "football is a special game because it provides opportunities for growth in leadership, cooperation, and teamwork - to achieve a goal; it requires sacrifice, self-discipline and hard work."

One can't help but think of the positive influence "Mac" has had on so many coaches, players and those he has touched over the years. His best known ex-football player is ex-President Ronald "Dutch" Reagan. They long maintained a real affection for each other: "He still calls me 'Coach' and I still call him 'Dutch."

"Coaching is in my blood," McKinzie said many times. "It hasn't always been fun, but I never lost interest in the game or the kids."