Charlie Inverso, who built New Jersey's Mercer County Community College into a JC national powerhouse, has resigned after 24 years as head coach.

The middle school teacher had held the part-time job as Mercer County coach since 1986, winning five national title in three different decades.

Inverso (434-46-14 record) sent more than 150 players on to four-year schools, including 2009 stars
Ido Legity (St. John's) and Amit Aburmad (Boston College).

Perhaps his most famous product is Stern John, who starred in MLS with the Columbus Crew and represented Trinidad & Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.

"I needed a change, it's as simple as that," Inverso said. "I have been coaching for 24 years on a part-time basis competing against the best teams in the country."

Inverso, who has been active in the national youth team program, won an ESPN contest for his Dick Vitale impersonation at the college basketball Final Four.