Staff Report
Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing has announced Tony Iaconelli as the new head coach of its baseball team, a move that promises to bring expertise, dedication, and a fresh vision to the program, a news release said.
Known for his transformational leadership and exceptional achievements in South Jersey baseball, Iaconelli’s arrival is highly anticipated by the ACIT community, which views his appointment as the beginning of an exciting new era. Atlantic Tech went 10-15 last spring under Kenny Morgenwek and made it to the quarterfinal round of the South Jersey Group 4 tournament before losing to Washington Township.
“ACIT’s recent success signals that it is an athletic ‘sleeping giant,’” Iaconelli said in a statement recently released by the school. “I’m excited to take on this role, knowing it’s a chance to build something lasting. I want to create a culture that our players and the community can take pride in.”
Iaconelli’s journey to ACIT is one filled with success and respect for the game, as well as a strong commitment to youth development. His coaching career began as an assistant at Holy Spirit, but it was his 20-year tenure as head coach at St. Augustine Prep that truly cemented his legacy.
When Iaconelli took over the St. Augustine baseball team in 1988, it was at its lowest point, struggling with a 2-20 record. Through tenacity, strategy, and a deep-seated belief in his players’ potential, he transformed the team, ultimately leading them to 13 division and league titles, 12 Diamond Classic appearances and two South Jersey Parochial A championships. Along the way, he nurtured 14 Division I players and left an indelible mark as the winningest coach in the school’s history — a legacy honored with his 2010 induction into the St. Augustine Prep Athletic Hall of Fame.
After stepping down as head coach to take on administrative duties, including Athletic Director, Dean of Students and Principal of 8th grade, Iaconelli returned to the St. Augustine diamond in 2015 as an assistant coach, a role he held until 2024. Now, he embarks on a new journey with ACIT, drawn by his relationships with Athletic Director Robert Wagner and Principal Joseph Potkay, as well as the potential he sees in the ACIT baseball program.
Iaconelli’s return to head coaching brings personal meaning for Potkay, who was once a player under Iaconelli. “Tony Iaconelli was my high school basketball coach, and he had a huge impact on me both on and off the court,” says Potkay. “I credit his mentorship and leadership for helping me earn my scholarship to play basketball at Monmouth University. Tony taught me about discipline, hard work, and integrity—lessons I carry with me to this day. I am incredibly eager to see how he’ll inspire our baseball players, just as he inspired me years ago.”
Bringing with him a coaching philosophy that values patience, accountability, and respect, Iaconelli aims to create a program that aligns with ACIT’s mission of pursuing excellence in all endeavors. He believes that baseball is more than a sport — it’s a pathway for developing young adults who carry lessons of integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship with them into their future. His players will learn to honor the game, respect each other, and embody a sense of pride in representing their school.
“Our focus will be on how we carry ourselves, from how we practice to the respect we show for our opponents, umpires, and each other,” he adds. “I want these young athletes to understand that winning is the byproduct of dedication and respect for the process.”
Iaconelli said he envisions ACIT baseball as a formidable force within the Cape-Atlantic League and South Jersey Group 4. As head coach, his aim extends beyond building a winning team; he is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy of mentorship and sportsmanship.
“My coaching philosophy is simple: be on time, do what is asked, and trust that the coaching staff is here to put you in the best position to succeed,” he explains.
