The upcoming collegiate sports year promises renewed excitement, with Mercer County Community College entering the season on the heels of an exceptionally successful 2024-25 campaign, brimming with confidence and a legacy of athletic excellence.

Last year proved remarkable for the Vikings, as four of Mercer’s distinguished athletic programs – men’s soccer, softball, and both men’s and women’s tennis – each advanced to the highly competitive NJCAA National Championship level, showcasing the institution’s robust athletic prowess.

Beyond team triumphs, Mercer athletes garnered significant individual accolades, with Joao Delgado from men’s soccer earning the prestigious NJCAA All-American title, and other Vikings securing regional player of the year honors across various sports, including Eva Sturm in women’s soccer, Collin Williams in baseball, and Nathan Bialy for offensive play.

The institution’s coaching staff also received widespread recognition, with six dedicated Vikings coaches awarded Region Coach of the Year honors. This esteemed group included Ron Stinson (women’s soccer), Widmarc Dalce (men’s soccer), Matt Davies (men’s lacrosse), Ryan Zegarski (softball), Russ Stupienski (baseball), and Andy Stoll (men’s tennis), underscoring the depth of leadership within the athletic department.

This year, the National Junior College Athletic Association further honored its rich history by establishing the inaugural Coaches Legacy Award, a significant recognition celebrating the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history, a testament to decades of dedication and success within collegiate athletics.

Among the inaugural recipients of this distinguished NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award were three former Mercer County Community College coaching giants: Stan Dlugosz, who founded the men’s soccer program in 1963 and coached for 19 seasons with an astounding 311-42-8 record and two National Championships; he also pioneered the men’s tennis program, serving as head coach for 35 years.

Charlie Inverso, another legendary figure, led the men’s soccer team for 24 years (1986-2009), guiding Mercer to five national championships and an unparalleled 434-46-14 record, maintaining the highest winning percentage for any men’s soccer coach in NJCAA history and fostering the development of over 150 student-athletes who transitioned to higher education or coaching roles.

Marc Vecchiolla, celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to tennis, coached Mercer’s women’s teams to four NJCAA National Championships and mentored 45 NJCAA All-Americans. His remarkable career culminated in his induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2005 at the age of 36, marking him as the youngest coach to receive this esteemed recognition.