Cheers to McCracken

Mac McCracken, a three-year starter as linebacker for the Fighting Illini, gives freely of his considerable talent to the youth of Whitefish.

Born and raised in Robinson, Ill., he enrolled in a course of finance and marketing at the University of Illinois, Chicago. It was there he met Nancy, who was destined to become his wife and mother of their two sons, Scott, an aerospace engineer, and Mike, a financial adviser. Both boys graduated from Whitefish high school.

When Mac retired from 20 stressful years trading commodities at the Board of Trade in Chicago he came to Whitefish. He points out that the area initially attracted him but it is the people who make him want to stay, commenting that never before has he seen such amazing and incredible community spirit.

In his words “it’s just like all the nice people in the world are collected in Whitefish,” and “when your kids are out you feel that they have 5,000 parents watching over them.”

Shortly after arrival, he noted the absence of a junior high football program so he set about raising money, buying equipment and finding assistants. For the past 13 years he has coached a highly successful 7th and 8th grade program which involves 60-70 kids each year.

Since 1997 he has been one of the owners of the Pin & Cue which he operates with a partner, but somehow finds time to be involved in community programs.

For several years he coached Little Dribblers basketball, works with Rotary delivering Christmas gifts, served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, re-activated and coached Babe Ruth Baseball, and helps with meals at the Shepherd’s Hand Clinic.

He is proud of the “Pin & Brew” coffee kiosk from which he and his partner donate all the profit to the Shepherd’s Hand Clinic.

Athletes, parents and co-workers sing his praises, pointing out that in addition to sharing his expertise in football he emphasizes safety, sportsmanship and citizenship. He volunteers because he truly enjoys kids, saying, “I feel like they’re my own.” Those who know him agree, saying we are fortunate to have him as a role model for our youth.

Mac the good you do for our youth is beyond measure. They will benefit not only now, but for years to come. We don’t know what it means, but since it’s the name of the fight song of the Fighting Illini it must be OK, so in addition to our thanks we give you a rousing “Oskee-Wow -Wow.”

— Jake Heckathorn