Whatever analogy you want to use for a goalkeeper – the glue that holds the team together; the leader; the last line of defense – Peter Mack was all of those and more. When Peter entered Dowling in 1977 – he was heavily recruited and wanted to play locally – the Bellport High School graduate joined a team that had struggled in prior years. So former Dowling Coach Mike Timo recruited Peter to help turn his team’s fortunes around and the union worked out very well.

Peter played his first season for Timo, and then Dick Jamison took over as coach. In 1981, the men’s soccer team surprised many people with its competitiveness. The team finished the year with a record of 15-7 and went to the NAIA national tournament. That same season, Dowling won and retired the Suffolk Cup, and also won the conference, NAIA 31 and Region 7 tournaments. In addition, the Golden Lions finished 7th in the NAIA National Tournament. They were ranked 20th in the nation in the NAIA, and 2nd in the state for division II schools.

During his career, Peter missed just 2 games in 4 years, an amazing accomplishment for a goalkeeper. Peter became Dowling’s first-ever All-American, receiving the NAIA honor as goalkeeper. Dowling finished with a winning record in every year Peter played. In three of his four years, the club qualified for the NAIA regional playoffs.

Peter was consistent off the field, as well. He lived in the same dorm room (314) for four years. He spent a lot of time in the Lion’s Den and was very supportive of other athletes and teams.

Following his graduation in 1981 with a degree in marketing, Peter was offered a job by Richard Hausman from the Dowling College Board of Trustees, and he worked in Manhattan selling textiles for Belding Hausman. Peter is currently a senior sales rep for Scherring Plough Corporation and is active in coaching youth soccer. His wife, Maureen, graduated from Dowling in 1983. They have three children – Kellen, Trevor and Justine – and they reside in East Islip.

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