Ernie Marcopulos was not only synonymous with the San Joaquin Delta College men's basketball program between 1962-1979, but his 13 Valley Conference championships in 17 seasons made him synonymous with winning as well and helped highlight a career that culminated with his induction into the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1976.

His commitment to San Joaquin Delta extended beyond the hardwood when he became athletic director in 1972 until his retirement in 1996. Be- sides setting standards for student-athlete welfare that continue today, Marcopulos was also an early proponent of Title IX, implementing 11 wom- en's sports at the college by 1979.

He was inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Delta's homecourt was renamed Marcopulos Gym in his honor five years later.