Hall of Fame Inductee - Mike Crist

The words "coach" and "teacher" are often confused for one another. But not in the case of Mike Crist. He's been both since his days as an athlete at Quincy High. Crist, a member of the Class of 1966, was a six time letter winner. He was an honorable mention All-State selection at quarterback his junior year, followed by special mention at that position and defensive back his senior year. He was the team's co-captain and was the first recipient of the "Golden Helmet Award." After college, Crist returned to Quincy and began the first girls athletic programs in the Quincy system. His junior high girls track program produced a state champion in 1977. Three years later, Crist framed the girls junior high volleyball program, which during a sixteen year run, made five state final appearances, including a second place trophy in 1985. Crist devoted additional time to football - coaching at the junior high and varsity level for a total of 16 years. But it's varsity girls volleyball that Mike Crist is most known for. Since becoming the girl's head volleyball coach, his teams have never won fewer than 19 games. His lifetime record of 242-67-7 through the 1997 season currently ranks Crist 10th in the state for coaches winning percentages (78%). He's twice been named as the Area Coach of the Year (1989 & 1985) and won the Western Big Six title 8 of the 9 years he's coached. But Crist will tell you that talented players have been the key. He's coached the All-Area Player of the Year four different years - had 28 All-Western Big Six players - and has had over 20 of his past players attend college on athletic scholarships. A leader on the field and off, Mike Crist has earned B.S., Masters and Administrative Specialist degrees from Western Illinois University. He currently serves as principal of Adams Elementary School. Crist and his wife, Suzy, have three children; Tammy, Tracy and Michael Jr.