Bio

Al Leister served as MCCC Athletic Director from 1970-1989. During his tenure, Leister introduced the following programs as varsity sports: women’s tennis in 1973, men’s tennis in 1974, women’s basketball in 1976-1977, softball in 1977 and women’s soccer in 1981. Under Leister’s leadership, MCCC teams participated in 52 NJCAA National Tournaments, winning four National Championships (Men’s Basketball in 1973 and 1974 and Men’s Soccer 1982 and 1988) and were runner-up five times. In addition, Mercer teams won 40 Region crowns and 39 Conference titles.  Leister also helped create MCCC’s first sports camp and helped to form the MCCC Foundation.

During Leister’s leadership as MCCC Athletic Director, Vikings teams participated in 52 NJCAA National Tournaments, winning four National Championships (Men’s Basketball in 1973 and 1974 and Men’s Soccer 1982 and 1988) and were National Runner-Up five times.