Joseph Mercado is the Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics in the Middle Country Central School District. We asked Joe about his career, Section XI, and the impact he makes every day in his role.

The best part about your job?

JM: Without a doubt, the best part of my job is watching all athletes practice and compete.  I truly enjoy watching them enjoy spending time competing with their classmates.

What is your biggest challenge every day?

JM: My biggest challenge daily is ensuring that our athletes and coaches have everything they need and want so they can all enjoy their afternoons on the fields, courts, and mats.

How important is building a winning culture in local school communities?

JM: I don’t believe it is the most important aspect of athletics, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that it wasn’t important at all.  A major goal of all athletes and coaches is to win.  When teams win, they feel like they accomplished a major goal.

What advice do you try to give to student-athletes at this point in their lives?

JM: Enjoy every minute of high school.  It goes by fast, don’t waste a second.

Why is Section XI a special place to live, work, and have athletics?

JM: Section XI is a special place to live and work because all of Section XI is one big community.  This year we lost a student-athlete tragically, and the support Middle Country felt and received from all of Section XI has played a big part in the healing process for our district.

Tell us one interesting thing that few people know about your life or career.

JM: One interesting thing about life that many people don’t know about me is that I attended kindergarten in a small town called Salina Cruz in Mexico.  My father, who was an engineer, had gotten a job down there, so I spent a year living there. That experience has given me a clear understanding of how students feel when they transfer in and do not speak the language, as I did not speak Spanish when I first went to school there.