Minnesota State Athletics Mourns the Loss of Mark Schuck
 
MANKATO, Minn. - The Minnesota State Athletic Department mourns the loss of long-time track and field and cross country coach, Mark Schuck. 
 
Schuck, who passed away at the age of 77, served 34 years as the men's head cross-country coach and guided the Maverick men's track and field programs for 15 years.
 
"There is tremendous history and tradition surrounding the Maverick track and field and cross-country programs and we lost a legend with the passing of Coach Schuck," said Director of Athletics, Kevin Buisman. "We extend our deepest condolences to Mark's friends and family as they work through this difficult time. Mark loved coaching because of the impact it allowed him to have on the lives of young people and those that had that opportunity are better for the experience.  He was loyal, dedicated, and committed. His legacy will be long remembered". "
 
Under the steady hand of coach Schuck, Minnesota State cross country and track and field became one of the most dominant programs in the region and the nation. During his 34-year stint as men's cross country coach (his first season was 1979-80), MSU won 11 North Central Conference cross country titles and one Northern Intercollegiate title. He was named league cross country coach of the year eight times. Coach Schuck was named the NCAA Division II Men's National Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1988. 

During his tenure as the head track and field coach, Coach Schuck earned Track and Field Conference Coach of the Year 15 times – seven in the North Central Conference and eight in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Under his guidance, MSU's teams secured 14 total conference track and field championships, including seven indoor track and field conference championships and seven outdoor track and field conference champions. The Mavericks finished second in the nation at the 1989 Indoor Track and Field Championships.  Coach Schuck also garnered selection as national coach of the year during the 2006 indoor season. 
 
Coach Schuck served the University in many ways including two stints as the Interim Athletic Director, over 25 years as the Student Relations Coordinator for the College of Allied Health, physical education instructor and assistant track coach. During his coaching years he started and managed hundreds of high school indoor track meets. Coach Schuck provided an opportunity to compete for thousands of boys and girls in the state of Minnesota.
 
As a student-athlete, Schuck participated in cross country, track & field and basketball and graduated in 1969. He was inducted into the Minnesota State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. From Nicollet, Minnesota, he began his coaching at Mankato Wilson High School, where he also served as athletic director for eight years.
 
On Friday, October 27, 2023, the culmination of Coach Schuck's 44 years of dedication to Minnesota State University was marked as the outdoor track was officially named the Mark Schuck Track.  This past fall, the Mark Schuck Legacy Scholarship Endowment was established in Mark's honor to celebrate the enduring legacy of Coach Schuck.  This endowment is dedicated to supporting the men's cross country/track and field team, a cause close to Mark's heart.  Through the past year, Mark worked to raise funds for his endowment, ensuring continued support for the team he dedicated his life to building. 
 
Schuck is survived by his wife Jane and daughters, Angie and Kelly.
 
What others are saying:
 
Mark Sybilrud, Minnesota State University Cross Country/Track and Field Alumni 1983
 
"On behalf of all alumni of MSU's cross country and track and field teams, it is difficult to hear about the passing of Coach Schuck. As most referred to him, Coach Schuck was very influential in many lives. He touched so many athletes, coaches, staff members and their families. He was such a fighter these last two years and despite his health battles, he attended track meets, including the recent conference meet and alumni gathering. His leadership, dedication, and kindness will be greatly missed by all. Thank you, Mark "Coach" Schuck, for creating such a great legacy of excellence on and off the track. May God bless his family as they navigate this difficult time. Peace to you all and remember to live each day to the fullest as we know Coach Schuck did."
 
Jen Blue, Head Women's Cross Country Coach, Assistant Track and Field Coach at Minnesota State
 
"Mark's name is synonymous with MSU track and field. He not only built a program but a family in his 40 years leading the Men's MSU track and field and cross country teams.  He made a profound impact on so many student-athletes, who still are active alumni of the program. I personally cannot thank him enough for all that he did for me as a young coach starting out, and all that he did for me over the years as a mentor, colleague and friend. I have so many memories that I will cherish forever. Mark was truly a remarkable person who touched so many people. I express my deepest sympathies to his wife Jane, his daughters Angie and Kelly and their families."
 
Mike Turgeon, Director of Track and Field at Minnesota State
 
"In the world of athletics, there are coaches who train, those who inspire, and then there are those rare few like Coach Schuck, who leave an indelible mark not just on the track but in the hearts of all they encounter. His legacy at MSU Cross Country/Track & Field wasn't just about winning races, but about building a family and community. Through every stride and lap, his influence echoed, bridging the gap between the past, present, and future of the program. We will deeply miss his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. To Mark's family, Jane, Angie, and Kelly, we share in your grief and stand by you, as Coach would have wanted, united and forever grateful for the mark he has left on all of us."
 
Kirk Nauman, Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach at Southwest Minnesota State
 
"Professionally, Mark is my greatest mentor and has helped shape my career trajectory in numerous ways over the last 20-plus years. Never one to mince words, he has always given me honesty when I needed to hear it. If you knew Mark well, you know he cared deeply about his family, friends and athletes. I will miss our conversations and banter, but I take comfort in knowing that he lived a very full life that impacted many people."