NJCAA Insider - January 2018

REGION 18

Region 18 touches seven states in the western portion of country, touching Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Washington and parts of Montana and Colorado. It’s lead by Joel Bate (women’s region director) and Rob Nielson (men’s region director), while they are assisted by Marcilina Grayer (assistant women’s director) and Dexter Irvin (assistant men’s director.

A closer look at Rob Nielson – Region 18 Men’s Director

Rob Nielson became Athletic Director at Snow College in November 2010. In the fall of 2012 he also took on the responsibility of head men’s basketball coach.

Nielson started his collegiate career at Ricks College where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and met his future wife, Kathy Maddox. They married after graduation and moved to Hawaii where he continued his education and athletic career at BYU-Hawaii. Nielson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Business.

Nielson then moved to St. George, Utah, to start his coaching career at Dixie College. After three years at Dixie, he attended Utah State where he earned a master’s degree in physical education. He then returned to Hawaii where he taught physical education and coached basketball.

For two years, Nielson continued his coaching career at the University of Iowa and worked on an Athletic Administration degree. He then returned for another two years at BYU-Hawaii.

For 11 years Nielson was at Mt. Hood Community College, where he was an instructor, coach and served as an administrator.

Nielson has traveled to New Zealand, Korea, China, Mexico and Canada to put on coaching and player clinics. He has built relationships with colleges and other citizens everywhere he has been.

Nielson enjoys working at two-year colleges to help develop students who may not be able to attend universities. His motivation is to see these students succeed and instill in them the belief that they can earn university degrees. Nielson says, “The measure of success for me as a coach and administrator has been the number of student-athletes that were able to continue their education at a four-year program after completing two years at a junior college.”

Nielson’s education and background has helped him understand the challenges student-athletes face as they begin their journey through the educational process, helping them overcome challenges and push them to develop a winning attitude.

Through all these adventures, the Nielson’s have raised four boys who have all been very active in the athletic world and enjoyed the opportunities that have come to them as they have lived all over the country.

A closer look at Joel Bate – Region 18 Women’s Director

Joel Bate was named the College of Southern Idaho athletic director in 2007. Bate has worn many hats at CSI. He first came to CSI in 1993 as an English professor and women’s basketball coach.

“CSI is a great place to work,” Bate said. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with athletics and academics. We have great coaches and a great staff here and the work they’ve done this year has been very positive, not only on the court but in the classroom and community as well,” Bate said. “I love working with our many boosters, fans and corporate sponsors who have helped make CSI a special place to be.”

Bate coached at CSI from 1993 until 2000, leading the Golden Eagles to the national tournament in 1999. During that span, Bate compiled a 144-78 record. He coached four NJCAA All-Americans and four NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Two players went on to play professional basketball, including Jessica Gibbs Mesna who assisted current coach Randy Rogers. In 1999, Bate earned Region 18 Coach of the Year honors.

Prior to working at CSI, Bate taught and coached at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. He taught senior English and headed the English department. In addition to his teaching duties, he coached girls’ volleyball, track and basketball, where he compiled a 114-32 record and four third-place state finishes.

Bate earned his undergraduate degree in marketing at Boise State University and his master’s degree in English at the University of Idaho in 1986.

Bate and his wife Donna live in Twin Falls.