Edwardsville, IL —SIUE Athletics proudly recognizes the legendary Jack McDole and his family for their unwavering commitment to the Cougars Champions Fund (CCF). Jack has been a staple in the SIUE community for many years, and his consistent presence and support has been extremely impactful across all 16 varsity programs.
Jack is an alum and former basketball student athlete who played on the first NCAA sanctioned SIUE basketball team in 1967 under Harry Gallatin. He has called Edwardsville home his entire life and is married to Virgina. The couple has two sons, Spencer and John, and are proud grandparents.
He currently serves as Assistant Vice President | Mortgage Originator at Busey Bank and has been a strong brand ambassador and advocate for SIUE Athletics. In his free time, you will see him passionately cheering on the Cougars in Eddieville with his family.
Hear from Jack:
Q: What inspired you to join the Cougars Champions Fund?
"The Cougars Champions Fund is our future for even more success in our SIUE athletics. I am requesting all present and future Cougar fans to contribute to this wonderful fund. We can make it happen! The Cougar Champions Fund represents family and support for our METRO AREA. The more successful this Champions fund is, the more our local economy will benefit."
Q: How did your experience as an SIUE student-athlete impact who you are today?
"I had the privilege and the honor of being on the first NCAA sanctioned basketball team in 1967. The most rewarding part of me being associated with SIU, Edwardsville men's basketball is that I had the privilege and the honor of having the great Harry Gallatin and Ed Bingham as my coaches for the first three years of my SIU, Edwardsville men's basketball career. Harry Gallatin is one of my lifetime heroes. He not only taught me basketball skills and how to be a great teammate, but he also taught me how to be kind and be a tremendous teammate to all the people I meet on an everyday basis. Being a part of the cornerstone of SIU Edwardsville men's basketball has been a very rewarding part of my life for the past 58 years. And the icing on the cake is that on the first day of tryouts, I met Mike Moore, and 58 years later, he is still my best friend. "I love you Moon!"
Q: What makes SIUE Athletics special to you?
"The best part of all this being associated with SIU Edwardsville is being able to fulfill coach Gallatin's statement on the first day of practice. Coach Gallatin told us all to take a knee and talk to us and he said gentlemen, you don't realize it today. But someday in your future you're going to proudly tell your family that you are on the first team at SIU Edwardsville men's basketball. As usual coach Gallatin was spot-on. I have fulfilled this statement by telling my son John and his wife Karla and their two children Johnny and Audrey and my lovely wife Virginia and my other son Spencer that I was on the first team at SIU, Edwardsville men's basketball, and I'm very proud of that fact."
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being a CCF donor?
"This support reflects the importance of the Cougars Champions Fund. I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the SIU Edwardsville Athletic Department for making this happen. The Cougars Champions Fund is our future for even more success in our athletics. I am requesting again all present and future Cougar fans to contribute to this wonderful fund. So, when you combine this with our growing SIUE COUGARS fanbase (season ticket holders), we have one big Happy and Loyal Cougar FAMILY! Let us find a way!! And the Best is yet to come!"
Q: What advice would you give to current student athletes about making the most of their time at SIUE?
"For the past 58 years, I've been a loyal supporter of the SIU Edwardsville Athletics. And my advice to all current student-athletes and future student-athletes is to embrace the moment and be proud to be a Cougar forever! We are one BIG, wonderful family. Always A Cougar!! See you in EDDIEVILLE!"
Join Jack along with many others in shaping the future of SIUE Athletics by considering a gift to the Cougars Champions Fund today. Your gift—no matter the size—makes an immediate and long-lasting impact.
For more information contact Noah Manns (nomanns@siue.edu).
