Crim: QND’s 1984 state runner-up boys soccer team responsible for raising bar on expectations

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | November 4, 2024
The 1984 Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team finished as the state runner-up in a one-class system, winning the first state trophy in program history and raising the level of expectation for future teams. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The longest boys soccer game in Illinois High School Association history was played 40 years ago. Performing on the biggest stage on Nov. 3, 1984 — the state championship game at St. Charles High School — Quincy Notre Dame and Palatine Fremd battled through 80 minutes of regulation and another 40 exhausting minutes…

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New coach, same expectations as QND girls soccer team sets sights on return to state tourney

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | March 13, 2024
Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer coach Mark Thomas, right, demonstrates the proper technique during a drill in a preseason practice at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Aubrey Sparrow wasn’t naive enough to think the tempo and tenor of Mark Thomas-led practices would be similar to those run by former Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer Mark Longo. “I knew the style would change, just how it does with every coach,” the senior defender said. But she remained confident the Raiders…

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QND hits its Mark with announcement of new girls soccer head coach

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 29, 2023
Mark Thomas addresses a crowd gathered in the Quincy Notre Dame library Thursday morning after being introduced as the the Raiders' new girls soccer head coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Mark Thomas’ biggest challenge as the new Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer head coach won’t come from replacing a legend on the sidelines or developing the right system of play for a youthful, talented team. It will be finding time to hunt during the Illinois spring turkey season. “I might have to figure…

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