Mater Dei Knights Football

02/19/2026

We excitedly introduce Conner McLaughlin as the new head coach of Knights Football! 🏈

Conner, joined by his wife, Tiffany, and their three children, met with players and parents, during which he shared his multi-faceted philosophy and vision for the future.

He shared, in part, "It is an incredible honor to lead this program with the support of my family and to join a community that values excellence both on and off the field. Our goal is to build a culture rooted in discipline, integrity, ex*****on, and relentless effort. We are not just coaching football players; we are mentoring future leaders. I can’t wait to work with these young men and to start a new chapter of pride for our fans and families."

Conner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having played and coached at both the high school and collegiate level. After serving as an assistant coach at Quincy Notre Dame H.S., his alma mater, Conner served as the head coach at Unity H.S. in Mendon for four years. He then brought to life Quincy University’s sprint football program, for which he served as head coach for three years.

Conner holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Quincy University and a Master of Education in athletic administration from William Woods University.

Please join us in welcoming Conner and his family to our Mater Dei Family! We look forward to him adding his mark to the storied tradition of Mater Dei Football!

12/20/2025

Prayers for his family and friends.

Join us in praying for the family of Christian Schwarz ’27 and all those whose lives he touched.

It is in difficult times such as this that we must rely on our faith and one another for support.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

(For Christian’s obituary, visit https://www.spengel-boulanger.com/obituaries/christian-schwarz/ #!/TributeWall)

12/01/2025

Good Luck Coach Stiebel

Following a successful seventeen-year career, Jim Stiebel has announced his decision to retire from his position as head coach of Mater Dei Knights Football. He stated in part, “Serving the Mater Dei community for the past seventeen years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Still, I am now choosing to devote my time and attention to my family. My foremost responsibility is to be the best father and coach to my three children. Thus, my decision reflects the values of family and unity that our Mater Dei community holds in high regard.”

Coach Stiebel will conclude his career as the winningest coach in Mater Dei Football’s history, having amassed an impressive 114-63 record and thirteen winning seasons. Additionally, he led the Knights to twelve playoff appearances, in which Mater Dei advanced to the Sweet Sixteen twice, the Elite Eight five times, and the Final Four once.

Furthermore, Coach Stiebel stated, “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the entire Mater Dei Family and Principal Dennis Litteken for their confidence in my leadership and entrusting me with this program for nearly two decades. I am also grateful to the many coaches who have stood beside me throughout the years. Their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our players and program have been invaluable. Most importantly, to my players, past and present, I offer my deepest gratitude for your dedication, perseverance, and belief in the vision we built together.”

Coach Stiebel concluded, “My time as head football coach has been marked by meaningful relationships, memorable experiences, and the privilege of guiding young men both on and off the field. I will remain deeply grateful for the privilege of serving, and I will always carry a profound pride in being part of the Mater Dei tradition.”

On behalf of the Mater Dei Family, we sincerely thank Coach Stiebel for his dedicated service, which positively impacted Knights Football!

11/17/2025

MVP Reed Pingsterhaus

Offensive player of the year Hunter Hochbaum

Defensive player of the yea Dylan Souder

Pride team award Will Meyer

Beckett Wade defensive back of the year. Brett Hilmes and Bentley Nicklin co offensive backs of the year

Lydon Barowiack Defensive Lineman of the Year

10/25/2025

Congratulations to the Mater Dei Marching Knights. Two times State Champions in Claaa 1A at the University of Illinois this afternoon.

10/25/2025

Join us in thanking our senior Football Knights for their dedication to Mater Dei! 🏈 (front l-r) Lydon Barwick, Beckett Wade, Brett Hilmes; (back l-r) Donovan Blair, Clayton Wedekemper, Will Meyer, Chase Zurliene, Reed Pingsterhaus, Jaron Kampwerth, and Landon Schroeder!



photo credit: Unforgettable Photography by Anna

10/23/2025