Lakewood, N.J. - Georgian Court University Director of Sports Medicine & Performance, Joe Friedrich, received some well-deserved recognition last month as the veteran athletic trainer collected the Phillip Hossler Loyality and Commitment Award, presented by the Athletic Trainers' Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ).

Distributed at the 36th annual ATSNJ Conference & Business Meeting (Feb. 28) in Somerset, N.J., The Phil Hossler Loyalty and Commitment Award recognizes a deserving athletic trainer in New Jersey for their service to the athletic training profession, their setting, and their communities.

This award recognizes athletic trainers who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to their setting; provided public awareness, promotion and education about the athletic trainer's role in their local communities; helped establish and maintain the athletic trainers' presence in their setting; promoted athletic training as a career-destination, and exhibited a consistent and exemplary level of health care.

"I'd like to thank the ATSNJ, the Honors and Awards committee for this recognition, as well as ( Associate Director of Athletics) Christopher McKibben, for this nomination," stated Friedrich.  "Being acknowledged for my loyalty and commitment by fellow athletic trainers is very special.  The ATSNJ has so many dedicated and passionate members, being recognized by them is truly humbling."

Joe has worked for Georgian Court since fall 2007 and has served on various ATSNJ committees, such as the Chair of the Technology Committee, Conference Committee, Public Relations Committee, and the Sponsorship Committee.  Joe is the NCAA Healthcare Administrator for Georgian Court and he has been involved in various activities in and out of the athletic department, including serving as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Integrative Health and Exercises Science (2011 – 2019) with whom he taught undergraduate courses in CPR/AED/First Aid and also Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries. Joe also served two-terms as chair of the CACC Athletic Trainers' Council (2016-2020) and served as host medical coordinator for the 2019 CACC Championship Spring Festival.  Friedrich has also conducted countless outreach CPR/First Aid classes in his community.

Added Friedrich: "I'm so grateful for the support of my family, especially my wife Alicia, who has sacrificed so much and whose support knows no bounds.  Thank you to the athletic administration at Georgian Court for prioritizing student-athlete safety.  This comes as no surprise as I recently learned interim athletic director Dan Sempkowski's high school athletic trainer was none other than Phillip Hossler!  Phil's grass roots efforts to promote the profession and advocate for athlete safety has had such a tremendous impact!"

Hossler served the ATSNJ over a span of three decades.  He was the first ATSNJ Secretary/Treasurer (1977-1980) and was the only two-time ATSNJ President (1983-1984, 1997-1998).  Phil's inventive mind not only improved his own work environment, but enhanced secondary school athletic training across the state.  He was also the driving force behind the Department of Education certificate for athletic trainers.  Phil was well known for his kind nature and willingness to help those in need. If you were a secondary school AT and needed advice, you would call "Mr. High School", Phil Hossler.  Phil received many accolades, including the ATSNJ Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the ATSNJ, NJSCA, NJSIAA & NATA Halls of Fame.