McKendree University Athletics

Jim McFall lettered in soccer for McKendree College for three years and was named Most Valuable Player in both his junior and senior years. Jim led the team in scoring one year and was second in another. He was selected outstanding offensive player and team captain his senior year, when the team finished 7-3-1. Jim was a steady player who consistently turned in fine performances. He accomplished the “hat-trick,” scoring three goals on penalty shots for the Bearcats. He relished the “one-on-one” nature of the penalty shot. The sports headlines from the era often included McFall’s name because of his prolific scoring on the soccer field.

A key player in the development of the soccer program in the early ‘70s, McFall was recognized not only as a team leader, but also as one who impacted the recruitment of other star soccer players for the Bearcats. When he transferred to McKendree from Belleville Area College he influenced others from his home town of Collinsville, Illinois, a hotbed for high school soccer, to also enroll at McKendree.

The importance of soccer in his life did not lessen when Jim graduated. He has served as a volunteer coach for over 20 years, coaching recreational teams, select teams and high school teams in the St. Louis area. Respected for his knowledge of the game, he scouts other teams and works at the scoring table during Illinois High School Association regional and sectional playoffs. He resides in Collinsville, Illinois, where he manages Archway Kitchen and Bath Company.