CIU's Frierson Named 2025-26 Willie Belcher SID of the Year

WALESKA, Ga. - Gordie Frierson of Columbia International is the 2025-26 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Willie Belcher Sports Information Director of the Year recipient, the league announced on Thursday.

This is the 15th year of the award, and it's named in honor of longtime Virginia Intermont sports information director Willie Belcher. Belcher always exhibited a strong passion for her job and for the students and student-athletes that she came in contact with daily. She was strong in her faith and a great influence on those around her. In 2010, she was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma and lost her battle with cancer in June 2012.

This is the first time Frierson has received the award.

As Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, Frierson helps tell the story of CIU Athletics across every intercollegiate sport. He captures the moments, promotes the teams, supports the coaches, celebrates the student-athletes, and helps the broader community see what God is doing through athletics at CIU. That matters because CIU Athletics is not simply about competition. It is about using sports as a platform to glorify God and impact the nations with the message of Christ. Frierson understands that mission. He understands that a game recap, a livestream, a photo, a social media post, or a media contact is not just a task — it is an opportunity to elevate students, strengthen the CIU community, and point attention back to the Lord.

In the fast-paced world of athletics, where schedules change, games run late, and the work often happens when everyone else is going home, Frierson continues to serve with faithfulness and purpose. Relationships matter — and his work touches student-athletes, coaches, families, media representatives, alumni, donors, and fans. He is often behind the scenes, but his efforts help others be seen, supported, and celebrated. Excellence matters — and Frierson has helped CIU Athletics grow in visibility and professionalism. During his time with the Rams, CIU teams have been featured on the front page of The State sports section, and CIU Athletics has even received national attention through ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10. He has also helped strengthen athletic fundraising through Rams Club and the CIU Golf Classic, supporting facility improvements that benefit our student-athletes.

The previous recipients of the award are Jay Stancil, Union (2011-12); Matt Laws, Milligan (2012-13); John Gatto, Union (2013-14); Jason Hanes, Reinhardt (2014-15); Daniel Manget, Milligan (2015-16); Walker McCrary, Truett McConnell (2016-17); Steve Schwepker, Point (2017-18); Stancil, Union (2018-19); Stancil, Union (2019-20); Manget, Milligan (2020-21); Andy Stanko, Milligan (2021-22); Christopher Intoppa, Montreat (2022-23); Sara Hardeman, Truett McConnell (2023-24); and Brendan Sweany, Milligan (2024-25).