Montgomery County Community College serves as the new home for the Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame, a special tribute that honors the top coaches in the County’s sports history.

The Hall of Fame consists of rows of polished plaques featuring the images of 65 coaches together with brief summaries of their accomplishments. It is located in MCCC’s state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center, across from the fitness center.

During a special ceremony on Oct. 3, the Coaches Hall of Fame Advisory Board together with Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale, MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock, the Mustangs men’s basketball team and visitors celebrated the unveiling of the Hall of Fame.

Advisory Board Member Geoff Brandon acknowledged the ongoing work of the volunteers, spanning more than 17 years. President Dale Hood, Vice Presidents Jim Serratore and Tom Brady and Secretary-Treasurer Tony Leodora currently serve as the Board’s leaders.

“This doesn’t happen though, without the cooperation of Montgomery County Community College. We’re especially grateful to MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock, the College’s board of trustees, to their amazing administration, faculty, and staff for getting this all together. This was a warm welcome, and we’re incredibly grateful,” said Brandon.

Commissioner Gale praised the coaches for their positive impact on youth.

“They do it because their passionate about all of the positive attributes that come out of youth sports—developmental skills, organizational and time management, health and wellness, discipline and self-confidence,” said Gale, who acknowledged that he felt the positive impact on his life from the coaches who instructed him. “I thank MCCC for having the Hall of Fame in this beautiful building. This is a great spot.”

Dr. Pollock said the tribute is inspiring to students and visitors.

“We are proud to be a part of this legacy of leadership by hosting this display for our students and the community to enjoy,” said Dr. Kevin Pollock, MCCC President. “These coaches are the pinnacle of leadership, dedication and service. A coach’s role does not end when they step off the field or court. We know that the best coaches influence the lives of their athletes well beyond the bounds of their sport.”

 Two of the Lifetime Achievement honorees have direct connections to the College.

Jim Randolph, recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award, was a beloved teacher, coach and administrator at the College. He transformed the College’s baseball program, winning two community college championships in 1980 and 1981. He also spent time coaching golf at the College, before he became the Director of Athletics.

Geno Auriemma, recipient of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award, has coached the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team since 1985, winning 11 national championships. He also coached the women’s Olympic basketball team, winning gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Geno was a student at the College in the early 1970s, and he met his wife Kathy here at a basketball game.

The next Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Nov. 10 at Presidential Caterers in East Norriton and will honor North Penn High School Football Coach Dick Beck, retired Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Wrestling Coach Bob Lorence, Jenkintown High School Girls Basketball Coach Jim Romano and North Penn High School Track Coach Richard Swanker. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bruce Williams, who spent 28 of his 44-year career as an NCAA football official.