Longtime Professor and Men's Soccer Coach Tony Tocco Receives First-ever Magis Award

Tony Tocco, Ph.D., received Rockhurst University’s first Magis Award for his longtime commitment to the University at a reception on Saturday, Jan. 12, in St. Charles, Mo. Tocco, a St. Louis native, is a Rockhurst professor, head of the University’s accounting department, and men’s soccer coach.

“The definition of magis is more – not more as in quantity, but more as in quality,” said the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, Rockhurst University president. “Through this award, we are designating someone who is a model for seeking excellence. Someone who uses their God-given gifts and pursues them with great zeal, great determination, and great focus.”

Known for his spirit and leadership, both in and outside the classroom, Tocco has influenced generations of Rockhurst students, offering academic advice, career guidance and job connections. Few coaches in all of college athletics can boast a more impressive record. His 618 career victories ranks second on the all-time victory list among intercollegiate men's soccer coaches.

Tocco credits his colleagues with contributing to his success.

“In my long career here at Rockhurst, I have had a lot of great mentors, teachers and friendships to lead me where I am today – Jesuits like Fr. Joe Freeman, Fr. Tom Denzer, Fr. Lou Oldani, and lay faculty like Harry Kies, Bryce Jones and Tom Lyon,” said Tocco. “They have been role models for me and have helped me both professionally and personally to live the Jesuit ideals.”

When he’s not teaching or coaching, Tocco is an accounting and financial consultant with expertise in the mergers and acquisitions of small- and medium-sized firms. He appears frequently on television news broadcasts, offering expert opinion on local and national financial stories, particularly those involving the telecommunications industry.

Tocco received his master’s and doctoral degrees in accounting and finance from Saint Louis University, where he played on the only undefeated and untied soccer team in SLU history and pitched in the 1965 College Baseball World Series. He and his wife Phyllis live in Fairway, Kan. They have four children: Amy, Natalie, Leonard and Charlie.

To see photos from the event, visit Rockhurst's Phanfare page.