Former MCCC Athletic Director Simone Presented with Region 19 Athletic Director of the Year Award

11/14/23

 

Former MCCC Athletic Director John Simone received the Region 19 Ron Case Athletic Director of the Year Award for 2022-2023 that was presented at the Region 19 Fall Meeting held October 18^th in Mount Pocono, PA.

 

The award was initiated in May 2016 in honor of former RCSJ Gloucester Athletic Director, Ron Case.  In addition to leading the Roadrunner athletic program to a great deal of success, Case served as the Region 19 Women’s Director for many years and on numerous region committees.

 

The award is given to an athletic director who has made positive contributions to his/her athletic program, demonstrated a commitment to Region 19 through leadership of various initiatives and committee involvement and has demonstrated leadership and significant outreach for the betterment of youth and their community. The award is presented annually to a Region 19 Athletic Director for their commitment and positive contributions to the campus, region and surrounding communities.

 

The award is just one more to add to Simone’s collection.  Simone retired in June after 26 years as Athletic Director at MCCC.

 

Simone has won a number of local and national awards for his contributions to both the college and athletics.  In 2005, Simone received the Human Relations Award at MCCC, given annually to an employee who demonstrates superlative efforts on the job.  In 2007, Simone was named the Man of the Year by the Trenton Select Committee.  The Trenton Select Committee honors individuals who have been actively involved in athletics for many years in the Trenton community.  In 2009, Simone was inducted into the Notre Dame Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

At the regional level, Simone received the Auggie Esso Award in 2015, which is presented to an individual who exemplifies and demonstrates committed service and dedication to Region 19 Athletics.  Two years later in 2017, Simone was awarded nationally with the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the NJCAA on the national level for an extended period of time.  

 

The awards continued for Simone, as he was honored with the Philadelphia Flyers Community Teammate Award in 2018.  The award recognizes a local community member who goes above and beyond the call of duty and is honored before the start of Flyers home game.  In January 2023, Simone received the Champion in Service Award presented by the MLK Day of Service Committee and AAWCC (American Association for Women in Community Colleges).  The award recognizes a staff or faculty member’s service to students at MCCC.  Simone is the first recipient of this award.  In April 2023, Simone was inducted into the Mercer County Basketball Hall of Fame.