In 1988, Joe Erdeljac stepped foot on the campus of Austin Peay State University to serve as Chuck Kummel’s Graduate Assistant. It was probably at that time when Chuck laid the ground work for Joe to become so heavily involved with Athletic Training, both locally with TATS and nationally with the NATA.
Following his graduate assistantship at Austin Peay, Joe spent three years working at La Salle University in Philadelphia. It was at this juncture when he realized how much he loved Tennessee and decided to come back.
In 1992, Joe came back to Tennessee at started working as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Tennessee Tech University. While at Tech, Joe worked with David Green, and we all know who David Green is. Past President TATS, Past President SEATA, NATA President, Exhibits Chair. Joe was destined to be here today. It’s not often you get to work under 2 of the greatest Athletic Trainers in the South and Joe, rightfully so, soaked everything in.
While at Tech, Joe worked with team physician Dr. Richard Williams. In 1999, Dr. Williams started the community outreach program in Cookeville and Putnam County through Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Joe was hand picked to be one of the Athletic Trainers for one of the local high schools, Upperman High.
During his time at Upperman and Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Joe decided to volunteer his time and contribute to Athletic Training locally on the state level and nationally with the NATA.
In the year 2000, the NATA Meting was held in Nashville, TN. David Green and Chuck Kimmel were co chairs of the host committee and Joe was chosen to be their right hand man. Joe was given the responsibility to coordinate the sessions with the national committee and all those who had responsibilities in this area. Ten years later, Joe is still doing this. Joe did such an excellent job with the NATA Meeting in Nashville, the NATA National Office has retained his services and every year calls on Joe to volunteer and assist in making the meeting a success. Joe gladly volunteers and as a result of his dedication, the NATA presented Joe with the NATA Service Award in 2006.
Locally, after serving as a committee chair from 2000 – 2002, Joe was elected as Vice President of TATS. Joe served TATS as vice President for 2 terms from 2002-2004 and also from 2004-2006. In 2006, Joe was elected the president of TATS and also held the presidency for 2 terms, 2006-2008 and also 2008-2010.
In 2007, during his term as president of TATS, Joe worked endlessly and was successful in establishing a separate board of oversight for Athletic Trainers for the state of Tennessee. Joe was one of the driving forces behind the successful venture to give ATC’s appropriate supervision of their own ranks, removing it from the auspices of the medical board. By creating the State of Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers, Governor Brede son appointed Joe to be one of the 5 members on the board.
Team Physician Dr. Richard Williams writes, “Joe is concerned that he does the best job possible. He is one of the most dedicated Athletic Trainers that I know and one that will do anything and everything to get the job done. Joe cannot be swayed from doing what is right for the athlete – even if sometimes he is considered the bad guy.”
2 years ago, in 2008, David Green left Tennessee Tech to go back home to Eastern Kentucky. Joe and I both interviewed for the Head Athletic Trainer position. Joe was probably the front-runner and obviously got the job. The Athletic Director called me and said, “Ray, we hired your good friend Joe Erdlejac.” I said, “Yes Sir, he is my good friend and it’s hard to beat the president of TATS.” Congratulations, Joe
There are 2 words that describe Joe Erdeljac– dedicated and professional
And with that being said, it is without question that I present the highest honor that an Athletic Trainer in Tennessee can earn – induction into the TATS Hall of Fame. Ladies and Gentleman, Joe Erdeljac.