Hall of Fame Inductee - John Koscielski

Coaches have a way of touching the lives of their players and fans. It would be safe to say that John Koscielski did just that. In his youth Koscielski was a two time all-state basketball player for LaSalle High School. He came to Quincy on a basketball scholarship from Quincy University. After two years Koscielski left school to serve his country. He returned from the service, completed his education at Culver Stockton College and later earned his Masters Degree from Northeast Missouri State University. Koscielski began teaching and coaching at Quincy Junior High School. Koscielski enjoyed sports and those around it. When he wasn't coaching most nights Koscielski could be found wearing the official's stripes. He was well known in the area as an official for volleyball, football and basketball. In 1977 John Koscielski became the head coach for the Quincy High Blue Devil girls softball program. His first team went 25-2 and captured third place in the state. The 1978 version of the Lady Devils captured the State Title. During his career Koscielski's teams would win over 200 games, a mark that would put him among the elite of high school softball coaches. And while that was nice, it wasn't the most important thing to John Koscielski. His philosophy was to try to do right for all of the kids and not just some. Koscielski lived by that. When someone hits a home run it's often said that, "he touches them all." John Koscielski did just that.