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Marc
Vecchiolla is Named
Head Coach for MCCC Men's Tennis
7/16/07
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Marc
J. Vecchiolla has been named head coach for men's tennis at Mercer
County Community College. The appointment was announced by MCCC
Athletics Director John Simone, who noted that as head coach for
women's tennis since 1997, Vecchiolla has created a nationally recognized
program. "Marc is a first-class professional who is the logical
choice to coach the men's team. It's a real opportunity for the
college that will enhance both programs," Simone said. Additionally,
Vecchiolla has assisted with the men's team under recently retired
head coach Stan Dlugosz, traveling to the national tournament with
the Vikings the past two years.
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Marc
Vecchiolla
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Vecchiolla's
success at Mercer has been stellar. Since he established the women's program
10 years ago, the Viking women have won the NJCAA national title four
times (1999, 2000, 2002 and 2005) and placed second three times (1998,
2001 and 2006). The Vikings were Region 19 champs from 1997-2005. Responsible
for all player recruitment efforts, he has coached 26 NJCAA All-Americans.
He is the youngest coach ever to be inducted into the NJCAA Tennis Hall
of Fame (2005) and was named the NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 1999,
2000, 2002 and 2005.
Vecchiolla plans to approach the men's team with the same winning philosophy
that has proven so successful with the women: work hard and have fun.
"I want my players to make a commitment to the program and to themselves,
with the ultimate goal of not only winning tennis matches, but learning
how to manage their time. You can do it all - study, work, play tennis,
and socialize - if you put your mind to it," he said.
Vecchiolla notes that he will be able to manage his own time quite efficiently
as a coach for both teams. "The women play their regional matches
in the fall, but continue to practice in the spring, while the men play
their season in the spring, but begin practices in the fall." The
teams will be able to practice and drill simultaneously; in some cases,
female players may be paired with male players, depending on players'
skill levels.
Five assistant coaches will help Vecchiolla with the men's and women's
programs, Stan Dlugosz will continue to lend his expertise and experience
to the coaching staff. Barbara Pleva and Ralph Bencivengo, two long-time
assistants, will also continue to contribute. New additions Kyle Devlin,
the no. 1 player on the MCCC men's team this past season, and Devin Crawbuck,
a four-year varsity player from Rider University, will be on staff for
the first time.
Vecchiolla has served as director of tennis operations at the Mercer County
Tennis Center since 1994, managing two tennis facilities and a 20-member
staff. He is currently overseeing the construction process of a six-court
indoor center at Mercer County Park, to be completed in the fall. He is
a member of the Mercer County Tennis Council and the Mercer Tennis Hall
of Fame Committee. He serves as host for numerous tournaments, including
the NJSIAA Championships, the USTA Adult Sectional Championships, the
USTA Senior Championships, the NEC College Championships, and the National
High School Invitational Championships. He earned a B.S. degree in Business
Administration in 1991 from East Carolina University, where he was captain
of the men's tennis team (Div. 1).
Directions
to MCCC
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