Ownership group expresses interest in returning summer college baseball to Quincy

QU Stadium, the home of the Quincy University baseball team, could be the home field for a summer baseball team should an ownership group decide to bring a Prospect League team back to Quincy. | Photo courtesy QU baseball program

QUINCY — The prospects of bringing summer college baseball back to Quincy in 2025 are growing stronger. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup said since the fall of 2023, he and representatives of Quincy University have been in conversations with an ownership group with ties to the Prospect League’s Springfield Lucky Horseshoes about bringing a team to…

Read More

Schuckman: Rabe knows sweat-on-the-brow coaches fit what QU athletic department needs

New Quincy University men's basketball coach Brad Hoyt listens to the introduction from athletic director Josh Rabe during Tuesday's press conference in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Experience has provided Josh Rabe with perspective. During Rabe’s three years as the Quincy University athletic director, the head coach of three of the most high-profile programs on campus has resigned to pursue another coaching opportunity. None of those programs could be considered in the midst of thriving at the time. So it…

Read More

‘He is the right guy for this program’: QU introduces Killday as new football coach

Jason Killday talks about his approach as a coach during Wednesday's press conference in which he was introduced as the new Quincy University football coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jason Killday has never been a job chaser. “Occasionally, you see something you kind of raise your eyebrow to and think, ‘That’d be interesting,’ said Killday, who spent the last eight seasons as the offensive coordinator with the Truman State football program after six seasons on the Quincy University staff.  “My goal has…

Read More

Schuckman: Strong roots in community, football make Killday right choice to guide QU program

Quincy University President Dr. Brian McGee, left, congratulates Jason Killday after he was introduced as the Hawks' new football coach during a press conference Wednesday in the Hall of Fame room on the QU campus, while QU athletic director Josh Rabe looks on. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Roots run deep in the Killday family, where the family farm outside of Winchester, Ill., remains the beacon that draws everyone home. Josh Rabe wants Quincy University to have the same magnetism. So for the second time this calendar year, when faced with having to hire a head coach for a high-profile program,…

Read More

‘Here we go’: Boyd ready to guide QU women’s basketball program back to historic heights

Quincy University President Dr. Brian McGee, left, and new women's basketball coach Courtney Boyd share a laugh at the end of her introductory press conference Thursday in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The caller ID read “Josh Rabe,” which meant Courtney Boyd knew which direction the conversation would veer if she answered. She said hello without hesitation. “What went through my head was, ‘Here we go,’” said Boyd, the Keokuk, Iowa, native who recently capped her sixth season as the head women’s basketball coach at…

Read More

‘It’s his show now’: Rabe stays out of way as Schissel continues success with QU baseball program

Quincy University Matt Schissel looks into the dugout during Saturday's doubleheader against Illinois-Springfield. | Photo courtesy of Max Bennett

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Josh Rabe wasn’t about to miss this.  His baseball team usually is still playing in late May. This year’s squad had an important doubleheader to play on Saturday morning … in an under-8 tournament. Rabe now coaches his oldest son’s team, the Mayhem. Oh, that Quincy University baseball team, which Rabe guided…

Read More

Schuckman: Path to Hawkins’ return as QU men’s basketball coach began with meal at Portillo’s

Quincy University athletic director Josh Rabe, right, shakes hands with new men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins as the veteran coach is introduced during Wednesday's press conference in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Steve Hawkins isn’t shy about his appreciation for quality cuisine. He is loyal to the restaurants he finds reliable and appetizing. So it came as no surprise Wednesday morning, hours before he was to be introduced as the new Quincy University men’s basketball coach, Hawkins ate breakfast at the Coach House, a longstanding…

Read More

Bellows ready to take on challenge of being head women’s soccer coach at QU

New Quincy University women's soccer coach Mackenzie Bellows, right, talks with Meagan Mero during a scrimmage at Legends Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Mackenzie Bellows had started her road trip home to Calgary, Alberta, to spend the holidays with her family when Quincy University athletic director Josh Rabe asked if she’d have time for a phone call the next morning. “I said he’s either going to ruin this trip for me or he’s going to make…

Read More

Sit down with the AD: Josh Rabe discusses the future of QU athletics

Quincy University's Josh Rabe, right, poses for a photo with his family after being introduced as the school's next athletic director. Photo courtesy Quincy University Athletics

QUINCY — Josh Rabe’s wardrobe is different. His daily routine is, too. After the Quincy University baseball team was eliminated from the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional on May 29, Rabe made his transition from coaching to administration. On June 1, he officially moved into his role as the Quincy University athletic director, having spent…

Read More