Schuck on a Truck: Mark Longo discusses legendary QND girls soccer coaching career

QUINCY — Mark Longo was asked to coach the inaugural Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team with no expectations and no preconceived notions of success. The next coach won’t be so lucky.

From 1990 until now — 33 seasons total — Longo has been the only head coach the Raiders have had, and with him at the helm, they’ve won 608 games and six state championships. No girls soccer coach in Illinois High School Association history has won more games.

At 65 years old and already retiring from teaching at the school year’s end, Longo decided it was time to walk away from coaching as well. He told his players Tuesday morning of his decision, and the outpouring of love from his former players and the QND community has been incredible.

Longo joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate of his pickup to discuss his decision to retire, the program’s remarkable success and his golf game for this episode of “Schuck on a Truck,” brought to you by Area Distributors.