Rockhurst University’s men’s soccer program will celebrate its 60th anniversary this weekend, from Friday, Oct. 25, to Sunday, Oct. 27. The Hawks have built a rich tradition of success both on and off the field, and the university has prepared a full slate of events to mark the milestone.
With over 100 men’s soccer alumni already registered to attend, they will join fans and current players for a weekend filled with celebration, camaraderie and soccer, as the program honors its past while looking forward to the future.
Since its founding in 1964, Rockhurst’s men’s soccer program has built a powerhouse reputation that continues to inspire current players.
The university’s first intercollegiate soccer team set the tone with a perfect 7-0 regular season, earning a spot in the 1964 NAIA national championship tournament. Building on this foundation, Rockhurst became a dominant force in the NAIA, making 20 national tournament appearances, advancing to the Final Four 12 times and playing in four national championship games.
This era of excellence set the stage for the program’s long-term success, which transitioned seamlessly to NCAA Division II in 1998, maintaining the program’s competitive legacy. The Hawks have made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and claimed 6 GLVC Tournament titles, as well as 6 GLVC regular season championships. In addition to its team accolades, the program has produced 21 professional players.
However, the success of the program is not just measured in trophies and accomplishments. It is reflected in the lives of the alumni who have gone on to thrive in careers across a wide range of industries, carrying with them the values of teamwork, discipline and leadership that the program so deeply instills, which this weekend will commemorate.
The festivities will kick off on Friday evening with a welcome reception and pregame party at 5:30 p.m. in the Magis Activity Center, allowing alumni to reconnect with old teammates and for fans to celebrate the Hawks. That energy will carry into the night as Rockhurst faces off against Drury University at 7:30 p.m. Following the game, fans and guests are invited to gather at Charlie Hoopers in Brookside.
Saturday morning brings one of the most anticipated events of the weekend— the alumni scrimmage. After campus tours at 10 a.m., former players will lace up their cleats for a friendly but competitive match at noon, giving them the opportunity to relive the moments that made their Rockhurst soccer careers unforgettable.
For many, like Rockhurst women’s soccer head coach Greg Herdlick, a 1992 program alumni, these memories are still vivid.
“We made it to Nationals all four years. I met some really good friends; teammates that still remain my friends, even some 25-30 years later,” Herdlick said. “It was a great experience.”
The celebrations continue as Mass will offered at 4 p.m. in the Mabee Chapel followed by a reception and program at 5 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Alumni, coaches and supporters will gather for a cocktail reception, dinner and program to share stories, honor the program’s history and recognize the people who have helped shape the team’s success over the decades.
One of those people is long-time head coach Tony Tocco, who has been with the program going on 54 years, playing a pivotal role in its success. He has the longest active coaching tenure of any sport in the NCAA and his 736 career victories ranks second on the all-time list among intercollegiate men’s soccer coaches. Tocco was named NAIA National Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2007.
“He hasn’t changed one bit. Even after his 53rd season, he doesn’t take losses easily. He’s constantly thinking of ways to turn things around, or how to be better than the day before,” Herdlick said.
The weekend will conclude Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with the Hawks facing Southwest Baptist University.
As the university prepares to celebrate the milestone of 60 years, the Rockhurst community is reminded that the spirit of Rockhurst soccer goes far beyond the field. It is about the friendships formed, the memories made and the legacy that continues to inspire future generations of players.
“The weekend is going to be really cool. The boys and I can’t wait to go out there and win a game in front of our fans like we did during parents and alumni weekend,” senior defender Filippo Riva said. “We want to celebrate both Coach Tocco, who has made the program what it is, and the program itself in the best way possible,”
For more information or to RSVP, visit https://engage.rockhurst.edu/register/?id=e0d518c1-0f72-42bb-8c2c-7266bf1db32b.
