Athletics Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2025
Published on April 4, 2025
Seen here at the 2025 Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony are John Rajaski’s widow Sandy Rajaski, inductee Alicia Nutter, inductee Joseph McCahon Jr., and inductee Mike Wilson.
NORTH EAST, Md: On Saturday, March 29, the Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame proudly inducted its Class of 2025, celebrating the remarkable achievements of four icons who have left an indelible mark on the College’s athletic programs. This year’s honorees are recognized not only for their athletic excellence but also for their contributions to the creation, development, and growth of the College’s sports teams.
The induction ceremony took place in the Technology Center’s conference room on the North East Campus, where the Hall of Fame committee—comprising alumni, current coaches, and staff—bestowed honors upon four exceptional individuals: John Rajaski, Joseph McCahon Jr., Mike Wilson, and Alicia Nutter.
The Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame aims to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the College’s athletic programs, either through direct participation, support, or a passion for athletics that has helped elevate the College’s reputation.
John Rajaski: A Pioneer and Mentor
A native of Pittsburgh, John Rajaski served as the head men’s basketball coach at Cecil College from 1983 to 1995. His leadership on and off the court earned him the Maryland JUCO Conference Coach of the Year award in 1988.
Rajaski’s career in education spanned more than 40 years. He completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania before earning master’s degrees from Western New Mexico University and the University of Illinois. His coaching journey took him from Gettysburg High School, where he coached boys’ basketball, to Springfield College in Illinois, where he also coached basketball, tennis, and baseball.
At Cecil College, Rajaski not only coached men’s basketball, tennis, and golf but also served as a Health and Physical Education professor until his retirement in 2009.
Although Coach Rajaski passed away recently, his legacy was honored at the ceremony by his wife, Sandy Rajaski, who shared heartfelt memories of her husband’s love for coaching.
“It’s my pleasure to be here this evening to honor John,” said Sandy Rajaski. “He always said, ‘I can’t believe they pay me to do what I love.’ He loved to teach, he loved to coach, and he found joy in the process of basketball, not just the games. He cherished the opportunity to teach life lessons through the sport and help his players grow both as athletes and as individuals.”
Joseph McCahon Jr.: A Star on and off the Court
Joseph McCahon Jr. was a key member of Cecil College’s 1988 Maryland JUCO Championship team under Coach Rajaski. Hailing from Pennsylvania, McCahon played basketball at Bishop Shannon High School before continuing his career with the Seahawks. Over his two seasons at Cecil College, he scored 729 points, ranking him 19th in career points, and added 241 assists (15th all-time) and 350 rebounds (18th all-time).
After his time at Cecil, McCahon transferred to Salisbury University, where he earned team MVP honors for the 1989-1990 season and finished his career ranked fifth in the school’s history for three-point shooting percentage.
“My time at Cecil College was truly life-changing,” said McCahon. “Basketball taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. The lessons I learned on the court have shaped my life, and I hope my journey can inspire the next generation of student-athletes.”
McCahon also shared how the discipline and resilience he developed through basketball helped him overcome a battle with cancer at the age of 25.
Mike Wilson: Dominating the Diamond
Mike Wilson’s impact on Cecil College baseball is legendary. Originally starting his career at the University of Delaware, Wilson transferred to Cecil College for the 2004-2005 season, where he quickly made his mark. As a freshman, he played in 38 of 53 games, posting an impressive .402 batting average with seven home runs and 51 RBIs. His performance earned him All-Region 20 honors and set the stage for an even more remarkable sophomore season.
“The 2006 season was unforgettable,” said Cecil College Athletic Director Ed Durham. “Mike’s performance that year was nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
Wilson nearly claimed the NJCAA baseball triple crown, leading the nation in home runs (22) and RBIs (84), while finishing fifth with a .473 batting average. He was named First Team All-Maryland JUCO Conference, Player of the Year for the conference, and was selected First Team and Player of the Year for NJCAA’s Region 20.
Ultimately, Wilson was named NJCAA Player of the Year, a prestigious honor given to the top player among more than 500 two-year colleges with baseball programs.
Wilson continued his successful career at Wilmington University and completed his undergraduate studies.
“My years at Cecil College were some of the best of my life,” Wilson said. “Academically and athletically, this place truly felt like home. The staff and faculty were incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful for everything they did to help me succeed.”
Alicia Nutter: The Heart of Athletics Operations
For over two decades, Alicia Nutter has been the backbone of the Cecil College athletic department. Serving as the Athletic Services Specialist since 2006, Nutter plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring smooth team travel schedules, lodging, and financial logistics. According to Athletic Director Ed Durham, Nutter’s contributions have been invaluable to the success of Cecil’s student-athletes.
“She’s been a constant source of support for our coaches and athletes, and her dedication to improving the student-athlete experience is unparalleled,” said Durham.
In addition to her operational expertise, Nutter has raised over $90,000 for student-athletic scholarships by organizing the College’s annual golf outing. She is also committed to streamlining processes within the department to better serve the needs of the student-athletes.
“Over the years, I’ve taken on many responsibilities, and I’ve learned that every job—whether big or small—plays a crucial role in helping our students succeed,” said Nutter. “I’m proud to be part of this amazing team and contribute to the success of our student-athletes.”