COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 6, 2016) - The NJCAA proudly announced its service and recognition awards Thursday during the inaugural NJCAA Awards Dinner at The Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs.
The awards are presented annually to individuals who have either made worthy contributions to the organization or have excelled in the arena of athletics or have exemplified the organization’s principles of leadership, achievement and service.
Among the individuals recognized was Bob Zelinki, athletic director at the College of Central Florida, who received the NJCAA Appreciation Award.
The Appreciation Award is awarded by the NJCAA Executive Director to individuals and institutions that have provided the organization with extraordinary leadership, loyalty and service.
A dedication and passion for the two-year student-athlete is what highlights Zelinski’s tenure as a collegiate athletic administrator. Since 1992, Zelinski has held an array of positions for the NJCAA as a representative of NJCAA Region 8.
His dynamic leadership has been on full display as chair of the Eligibility Committee, a position he has held since 2007. During that time the Eligibility Committee has not been shy, confronting some of the most challenging and divisive issues facing the organization. Zelinski’s steadfast resolve and vision for the NJCAA and its student-athletes has resulted in many positive changes to its bylaws, which will continue to steer the organization for decades to come.
Aside from his national service, Zelinski has served as the director of athletics at the College of Central Florida since 1999. His dedication and experience extends into the Florida Collegiate System Activities Association (FSCAA) where he has directed numerous championships for the conference including baseball, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball. Zelinski was presented with an appreciation award by the FCSAA baseball coaches and was inducted into the conference’s hall of fame in 1998.
The NJCAA also presented Service Medals to individuals who have served for 10, 15, 20 or 25 years as an assistant region director, region director, officer, coaches association president or presidential representative.
Among the individuals to receive this honor were Polk State College's Laurel Sue Smith, who has served as Region 8 Women's Assistant Director since 2001.