NJCAA Insider - November 2017
REGION 17
Region 17 services the state of Georgia and currently has 14 member colleges that play in both Division I and Division III sports. Region 17 is led by David Elder (men’s director) and James Frey (women’s director) with the assistance of Bert Williams (men's assistant) and Phil Gaffney (women’s assistant).
A closer look at David Elder – Region 17 Men’s Director
After serving the last four years as an officer for the NJCAA, David Elder is back as the Region 17 Men's Director for the 2017-18 season - marking his 19th consecutive year of service to the association.
Elder was previously the athletic director at Truett McConnell (GA) for 10 years before being named the commissioner of the Georgia College Athletic Association in 2009.
His NJCAA service includes countless committee assignments over the past 19 years, including chair of the Division I baseball committee as well as the finance and budget committee.
An avid Georgia Bulldog fan, Elder earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from UGA. He and his wife Laura have been married for 32 years and they have two children - Brian (24) and Meredith (23).
A closer look at James Frey – Region 17 Women’s Director
The 2017-18 season marks the first for James Frey as the Region 17 Women's Director. However, Frey is no stranger to the NJCAA.
For 20 years Fry as the associate head men's basketball coach at the College of Coastal Georgia (now a member of the NAIA). Fry was then hired as the head women's basketball coach at South Georgia Tech in 2012 and was elevated to athletic director in 2014.
Under Frey's direction the Lady Jets have advanced to the Division I Women's Basketball Championship three out of the past four seasons.
Frey earned his bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness management from Troy University (AL) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
Frey and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Lindsey and Will.
Why do you recommend the NJCAA to student-athletes?
David: It gives people opportunities to obtain a degree that they might not get through other avenues. It's not just this way in Georgia but across all our regions. We all have a special mission before us. One of the greatest satisfactions is having a former student, who at one point you didn't know it they were going to make it, come back and say "Hey, thanks for not giving up on me."
James: It’s a life changing experience. It is an opportunity to open doors for them that could impact the rest of their lives.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Region Director?
David: Being able to share and contribute the knowledge and experience I've gained over the years to athletic directors, coaches and other region directors.
James: Correspondence with the NJCAA national office and getting to know the in's and out's of the organization.
What do you enjoy the most about the NJCAA?
David: The relationships I have formed with my peers. I have found that we all are likely experiencing many of the same issues. It's good to be able to call someone in a different region and bounce around ideas. I believe building good relationships helps us all accomplish the common goals of the NJCAA.
James: Closeness of the coaches, regardless of region. I’ve gained life long friendships all over the country.
Tell us something special about your region.
David: Our coaches and players really love giving back to their communities.
James: The willingness of the coaches and athletic directors in Region 17 to work together for the betterment of the region stands out to me. It’s not a win at all cost mentality. I think coaches and administrators really care about what happens with the other schools and would like to see them succeed. It’s somewhat unique these days.
What is your favorite sport and why?
David: As a former player, baseball was very important to me. That's why it was a such a privilege to have served as DI baseball chair for eight years. As a spectator, probably college football and NHL hockey.
James: Basketball because it takes everyone on the team regardless of position or pecking order to buy in and be selfless to win. There has to be a genuine 'team before me' approach.
