On October 4, 2025, Mercer County College (MCCC) will honor a distinguished group of athletes and championship teams during its annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event will take place at the MCCC Conference Center, commencing at 17:30. This year marks the fourth induction class since the Hall of Fame’s inception.
The Class of 2025 includes notable inductees such as Joe Bianchini (Men’s Soccer, Class of 1963), Patti Foley (Women’s Basketball, Class of 2007), Kevin Kerins (Baseball Coach), Anthony Weathers (Men’s Basketball, Class of 1996), Ashley Williams (Softball, Class of 2007), Evans Wise (Men’s Soccer, Class of 1994), and Marc Vecchiolla (four-time National Champion Tennis Coach). Additionally, Ryan Zegarski, MCCC’s Assistant Athletic Director and current Softball Coach, will also be recognized.
Celebrating Team Achievements
The ceremony will also honor the remarkable accomplishments of the 1988 Women’s Soccer Team and the 1991 Men’s Soccer Team, both of which have left a lasting impact on the college’s athletic legacy. According to Erica M. Oliver, Interim Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director of the MCCC Foundation, the Hall of Fame celebration not only commemorates the achievements of student-athletes and coaches but also strengthens the future of Mercer Athletics.
“Proceeds from this event directly support athletic scholarships and facility enhancements – investments that open doors for our students and elevate the entire college experience,” Oliver stated.
Mercer County College has established itself as one of the most accomplished community colleges in the United States, consistently producing talented athletes who have gone on to excel at major colleges and universities, as well as in professional sports. Zegarski, reflecting on his dual role as a coach and alumnus, expressed pride in being part of this year’s induction.
A Coach’s Perspective
“I feel honored,” Zegarski remarked. “Watching student-athletes succeed is truly rewarding. Winning is great, but when the students are happy, that’s everything. To be inducted alongside not one, but two of the players I coached who made it to All-American status is amazing.” His sentiments highlight the enduring bond between coaches and their athletes, as well as the significant contributions that MCCC has made to the athletic community.
The event is expected to attract a wide audience, with tickets available for purchase online at www.mccc.edu/hof. As the college prepares for this celebration, it remains committed to fostering an environment that nurtures athletic talent and promotes the overall success of its students. The Hall of Fame induction serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mercer County College’s athletics and the positive influence it has on its student-athletes.
