NJCAA Insider - January 2018

REGION 8

Covering just the state of Florida, region 8 is led by Mike Matulia (men’s region director) and George Sanders (women’s region director) and are assisted by Rick Hitt (men’s assistant) and Laurel Sue Smith (women’s assistant).

A closer look at Mike Matulia – Region 8 Men’s Director

Mike Matulia has served as the Director of Athletics at Lake-Sumter State College since the fall of 1997 when he revived the athletic program that was dropped in 1988. Matulia began to formulate the plan to build the program by conducting a feasibility study that included facility renovation, development, and construction. This study also included planning for sports offerings, gender equity issues, and membership within the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association. 

In 1998, LSSC began participation within the FCSAA and the NJCAA in the sports of men’s baseball, women’s softball and women’s volleyball. Major renovation of the gymnasium and construction projects for the Sports and Recreation Complex were completed in 2000.  Today, the LSSC Sports and Recreation Complex features a multi-purpose game management facility that includes concession areas, restrooms, and press boxes, collegiate baseball and softball fields which are highlighted by a ½ mile walking path, tennis courts/pickleball courts, racquetball courts, a covered practice facility, maintenance and equipment building and the newly renovated strength and conditioning center.

The athletic programs at LSSC have been successful both in the athletic arena and more importantly in the classroom. LSSC athletic teams consistently rank at the top of the state in graduation rates, community service participation and academic awards. This past year, the Lakehawk athletic program produced nine NJCAA academic award winners and 18 FCSAA All-Academic and 33 all-conference academic award winners.

In 2009, Matulia was recognized for his volunteer work in the community by the Lake County League of Cities where he received the community service award in sports and athletics. Matulia was also recognized by his peers at the annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) convention where he received the Under Armor Athletic Director of the Year for two-year community/junior colleges in the Southeast Region.

Matulia has served in a variety of capacities at the state and national levels, currently serving as the men’s athletic commissioner and NJCAA Region VIII men’s director. Mike previously served as the state baseball chair (FCSAA) and baseball tournament director from 2000-2005 where he received the FCSAA Baseball Recognition Award in 2008. Matulia served on the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament committee from 1993-1996 while working at Miami Dade College and also served on the NJCAA National Fast-pitch Softball Tournament committee from 2003-2005 when the tournament was in Clermont, Florida.  Matulia also served as the Chair-Elect (2009-2011) and the Chair (2011-2013) of the Council for Athletic Affairs, Division of the FCSAA from 2009 -2013 and was the NJCAA Region VIII men’s assistant commissioner from 2012–2015.  He previously served on the NJCAA Excellence Committee in 2015-2016 and is currently the NJCAA Region VIII men’s director where he serves as the co-chair of the NJCAA Standards and Ethics Committee, the NJCAA baseball committee and the NJCAA basketball committee. 

Other Community Related Activities/Appointments:

•  Board Member for the Lake County Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Previous Board Member for the Lake County Children’s Services Council and former Vice – Chair
• Board Member for the Lake County Parks and Trails Committee
• Graduate of Leadership Lake County
• Volunteer Activities: Habitat for Humanity, Lake County Schools Mentor, youth baseball coach, Lake County Miracle League “Buddy”, and grandfather of five

Matulia, also enjoys volunteerism, working with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, coaching the youth, spending time with his wife and family at the beach and being a grandfather.

A closer look at George Sanders – Region 8 Women’s Director

George Sanders is the Interim Athletic Director at Florida Southwestern. Prior to taking on the role in August 2017, Sanders served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Compliance at FSW.

Sanders has served the NJCAA in some capacity since July, 1994. Before joining FSW, Sanders was the Director of Athletics at Florida State College of Jacksonville for a decade from 2005-2015. He also served as an athletic director, athletic trainer, equipment clerk and faculty member from 1987 through 2005 at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida).  

George earned his bachelor of science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Carson Newman College in 1985 and earned a master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1988.

Outside of work, Sanders enjoys spending time with his family, reading, being around people and of course sports.

What is the most rewarding part of your job with the NJCAA and why?