2 ex-college faculty pass away
Retired McAvoy dies after years of service
John Krudy
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
Jack McAvoy, Hillsdale College's long-time athletic director and football coach, died May 22. He was 77. He was an avid sailor, a devout Catholic and a man devoted to his family and work.
"He was a man of honor and integrity, he was charismatic, a leader - he was very direct," said Keith Otterbein, head football coach.
Otterbein first met McAvoy when Otterbein was recruited for Hillsdale in spring of 1975.
"He wasn't a slickster - once in a while, it was like a smack in eyes with a 2-by-4," Otterbein said.
McAvoy was born Nov. 6, 1930, in Chicago. He competed in football, basketball and track at Hillsdale College. He graduated in 1955.
Following a stint in the U.S. Army, he taught and coached in the Bangor and Dowagiac schools systems before returning to Hillsdale College and serving for 29 years as athletic director, assistant football coach, head football and basketball coach, director of development and director of foundation giving. After returning to the college, he earned a master's degree at Western Michigan University.
Otterbein said McAvoy was dedicated to forming successful athletic programs and winning teams.
"He was a defensive coach, and he was very aggressive," Otterbein said. "Thirty years ago, we played pretty high-risk - a lot of man-to-man. He expected you to play hard, and do your job out there."
Otterbein said McAvoy was always happy to relax with friends.
"He'd have a beer - he was a pretty good Irishman," Otterbein said. "He'd let his hair down, but that was pretty rare. His public image was impeccable."
McAvoy was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolores; their children Daniel, James, Patrick and Michael; and four grandchildren.
"He was a man of honor and integrity, he was charismatic, a leader - he was very direct," said Keith Otterbein, head football coach.
Otterbein first met McAvoy when Otterbein was recruited for Hillsdale in spring of 1975.
"He wasn't a slickster - once in a while, it was like a smack in eyes with a 2-by-4," Otterbein said.
McAvoy was born Nov. 6, 1930, in Chicago. He competed in football, basketball and track at Hillsdale College. He graduated in 1955.
Following a stint in the U.S. Army, he taught and coached in the Bangor and Dowagiac schools systems before returning to Hillsdale College and serving for 29 years as athletic director, assistant football coach, head football and basketball coach, director of development and director of foundation giving. After returning to the college, he earned a master's degree at Western Michigan University.
Otterbein said McAvoy was dedicated to forming successful athletic programs and winning teams.
"He was a defensive coach, and he was very aggressive," Otterbein said. "Thirty years ago, we played pretty high-risk - a lot of man-to-man. He expected you to play hard, and do your job out there."
Otterbein said McAvoy was always happy to relax with friends.
"He'd have a beer - he was a pretty good Irishman," Otterbein said. "He'd let his hair down, but that was pretty rare. His public image was impeccable."
McAvoy was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolores; their children Daniel, James, Patrick and Michael; and four grandchildren.
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