Spring 101: RJ Walters, Hillsdale Daily News

This past week's HDN's RJ Walters published a pair of articles to carry Charger fans through the off-season. Give them both a read.

Spring 101: The Charger Offense
Spring 101: Charger defense and leadership

The Magic of YouTube: Hillsdale vs. St. Norberts, 1981

Former Charger offensive guard and team captain Mike Broome presents Hillsdale's 31-7 victory over St. Norberts from the fall of 1981. The Chargers were led by junior quarterback Pat Riepma along with Tom Kanka at defensive tackle and would finish the year at 10-2. Thanks Mike.

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Hillsdale Loses its Greatest Charger

Former Athletic Director Jack McAvoy passes away at age 77

Hillsdale College Press Release

May 23, 2008 - Former Hillsdale College athletic director John H. “Jack” McAvoy passed away on Thursday, May 22, at his home in Dowagiac, Michigan. He was 77 years old.

One of the most influential figures in the history of Hillsdale College athletics, McAvoy was a 1955 Hillsdale alumnus and served the College for nearly 30 years in various positions. Beginning in 1967, he spent six years as assistant football coach and three as head football coach. He was also head basketball coach for the 1967-68 season. From 1976 until his retirement in 1996, he served as Athletic Director. In addition to these positions, he served variously as Director of Development and Director of Foundation Giving.

“With Jack’s passing, we have lost a true icon of Hillsdale College athletics,” said current Athletic Director Dr. Mike Kovalchik. “Jack was a man’s man. His contributions to the athletic department are immeasurable, and thousands of student athletes, both former and current, have benefited greatly from his presence. Through Jack’s fundraising efforts, we were able to build the George Roche Health Education and Sports Complex in 1988, something that could not have happened without him.

“Personally, I have lost a dear friend,” Kovalchik added.

As a student at Hillsdale College from 1951-54, McAvoy played football and lettered in track and basketball. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as youth activities director in the U.S. Army Special Services. In 1957, he returned to his high school alma mater, Bangor High School, to teach science and physical education and coach football and track. He moved on the next year to Dowagiac High School, spending eight of the next nine years there as a civics and history teacher and a football coach. A year after leaving Dowagiac to return to Hillsdale, he earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

During McAvoy’s 20 years as Athletic Director, the Hillsdale football team won an NAIA national championship, programs in varsity sports for women were launched, and Hillsdale made the move from NAIA to NCAA Division II, and Hillsdale’s tradition of the true student athlete was continued and strengthened.

McAvoy was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynn, who passed away in November 2007. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolores, their children Daniel, James, Patrick, and Michael, and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Kovalchik Sets Retirement Date

Hillsdale College athletic director Mike Kovalchik has decided to retire. He will step down June 30th. No statement has been issued by the College.

Newest Design in Team Shop

There is a new Charger in town and it can be found at the latest addition to the Chargerblue.com Team Shop.

Other designs are available on tons of apparel items at the other stores.

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WR Holmes wins GLIAC Triple Jump

From Hillsdale College:

Sophomore Andre Holmes was crowed GLIAC champion in the triple jump, scoring a mark of 47 feet, three inches. He was the only Hillsdale College athlete to win an individual track and field conference championship this year.

Full results and release