A ‘builder of men’ and architect of McKendree’s football revival has died

Former McKendree University head football coach Carl Poelker, who rebuilt the school’s football program and led it for 17 seasons, has died, the university said. No cause of death was released.

Poelker was hired away from Millikin University in 1995 to revive McKendree football, which had returned after a hiatus of more than 40 years. He went on to guide the Bearcats to 117 wins and remains the program’s leader in winning percentage, according to the athletic department.

Former McKendree President James Dennis said Poelker “laid the foundation” for the program’s modern era, while current President Daniel Dobbins called him a leader who helped develop “the whole person.”

“Carl Poelker was more than a football coach. He was a builder of men,” Dennis said in a statement, pointing to academic honors and a graduation rate the university said reached 99% under Poelker.

Athletic Director Anthony Francis said Poelker rebuilt the program “the right way,” emphasizing character.

On the field, Poelker led McKendree to an NAIA postseason berth in 1997 and was inducted into the Bearcat Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2002, his team reached the NAIA national semifinals, and he was named NAIA national coach of the year, the university said.

Poelker also coached the program through its transition to NCAA Division II membership and the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2012.

Current coach Jason Rejfek, a former McKendree linebacker, said Poelker influenced him and former players throughout the program.

“Words cannot describe the loss we are all feeling today,” Rejfek said in a statement.

The university said information on a celebration of life and other ways to honor Poelker will be released later.