East Central College Director of Athletics Jay Mehrhoff poses with fellow NJCAA Region 16 athletic directors after receiving the 2025 NJCAA Loyalty Award. Pictured from left to right: Jim Gerwitz, Athletic Director at Mineral Area College; Mike Overman, Assistant Athletic Director at Mineral Area College; Jay Mehrhoff, East Central College; Sharon Marquardt, Athletic Director at St. Louis Community College; Brandi Arthur, Athletic Director at Crowder College; and Darren Pannier, Athletic Director at State Fair Community College.

From Coaching to Championing Students: Mehrhoff Earns NJCAA Loyalty Award

April 28, 2025 | Athletics Campus News

For more than two decades, Jay Mehrhoff has been the driving force behind East Central College athletics—building teams, mentoring students, and championing a culture where academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand.

This spring, that dedication was recognized on a national scale. Mehrhoff, ECC’s Director of Athletics, has been named the 2025 recipient of the NJCAA Loyalty Award, one of the most selective honors in the association.

Awarded only 22 times in the Association’s history, the Loyalty Award is given to an active athletic director in the NJCAA who has worked to uphold the ideals of the organization. Significant to this award is leadership in an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field or court and in the classroom.

Mehrhoff’s connection to ECC runs deep. He joined the college in 1997 as head coach of the men’s soccer team, leading the program to national recognition. In 2000, he brought his passion for student development into the classroom as a physical education instructor. Just three years later, he was named Director of Athletics— a position that allowed him to reimagine and expand ECC’s athletic programs.

“Over his tenure at East Central College, Dr. Mehrhoff has been a tireless advocate for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President. “From working to expand athletic opportunities at ECC to chalking the fields and everything in between, he has focused on doing whatever is necessary to help our students grow and succeed.”

Under his leadership, ECC has added sports, improved facilities, and elevated its competitive performance—garnering championships and making regular appearances in NJCAA National Tournaments. Beyond campus, Mehrhoff has played a key role in collegiate athletics across Missouri and the country.

He has led the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference since 2003, serving as Vice President, President, and chair of the NJCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee.

“No vision has been too grand, and no task has been too small,” Bauer added. “He epitomizes what the NJCAA Loyalty Award is all about.”