CLEVELAND – Veteran Lone Star Conference sport officials April Fricke and Andy Dunklin are recipients of 2026 Excellence in Officiating Awards for the South Central Region presented by the Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2 CCA) and announced today by the organization.
 
The D2 CCA Excellence in Officiating Awards represent a pioneering effort to recognize outstanding referees across NCAA Division II. This is the third year the awards have been presented with Fricke and Dunklin joining past LSC honorees Jennifer White (basketball), Kenny Kelarek (football) and Tim Debysingh (soccer).
 
Conference offices solicited nominations from the conference coordinators of officials and selected one male and one female to submit for the regional award. Upon receipt of all nominees, voting was conducted by the commissioners within each of the following regions – Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, Southeast, South Central and West – to select the regional winners. Awards are presented by the gender of the official regardless of the sport they officiate.
 
A volleyball official for 15 years, April Fricke referees at all collegiate volleyball levels, including the Lone Star Conference, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and multiple Division III conferences. In addition to season assignments, Fricke worked the NCAA Division II Championships in 2023 and 2025, including the 2023 title match, as well as three Division III Championships and several opening rounds of the Division I Championships -- each a postseason assignment reflecting Fricke's consistency, judgment, court presence, and ability to perform under the highest levels of competitive pressure.
 
Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Fricke has significantly contributed to the development of the officiating profession. She is a dedicated mentor investing time and effort in assisting new and aspiring referees develop their skills and confidence. Fricke has served on staff at USA Volleyball referee camps and as a head official at USA Volleyball national qualifiers and national championships mentoring and evaluating referees. Fricke's leadership and commitment to excellence have earned the respect of fellow LSC and NCAA Division II officials, coaches, administrators, and athletes alike.
 
Officiating has been a lifelong passion for Andy Dunklin who totals 44 years as a football referee, including 18 years with the Lone Star Conference and 24 years as an NCAA official.
 
Dunklin began his officiating career as a Texas high school football official in 1982 and began officiating NCAA football in 2002. Since 2008, he has served as an LSC crew chief. Over his 24 seasons as an NCAA referee, Dunklin is regularly nominated as a postseason official drawing assignment to numerous Division II playoff games. Since 2021, Dunklin has assisted with administration of the NCAA Division II National Championship game in McKinney, Texas, by coordinating sideline support staff, chain crew, and ball personnel.
 
Dunklin has long contributed to the success of LSC football officiating by mentoring novice officials, providing guidance to crew chiefs, and assisting with the training program at the Southwest College Football Officials Summer Clinic. He currently leads training programs for the SWCFO. Dunklin has received numerous service awards and honors from his local officiating chapter. Off the football field, Dunklin is a Justice of the Peace for Smith County (Texas) and has served as a police officer, a Texas State Trooper and a Constable.
 
In addition to the Excellence in Officiating initiative, the D2 CCA created strategic programs aimed at transforming the landscape of sports officiating and addressing current challenges by creating recognition and recruitment opportunities.

• Officials Appreciation Week acknowledges officials across all sports seasons – fall, winter and spring – highlighting their critical role in maintaining integrity and fair competition. Officials' Appreciation Weeks in 2026-27 are scheduled Oct. 4-10, 2026 (fall), Jan. 17-23 (winter) and April 4-10 (spring).
• Collegiate P2R (Player-to-Ref) Program targets recently graduated student-athletes, helping educate potential officials about the rewarding opportunities in sports officiating, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals.

The efforts reflect the deep commitment the D2 CCA has homed in on to elevate the status of sports officials, by creating structured recognition and celebrating those who ensure fair play and maintain the highest level of standards for athletics competitions.
 
 
LSC All-Time D2 CCA Excellence in Officiating Award Recipients
2026    April Fricke (Volleyball); Andy Dunklin (Football)
2025    Tim Debysingh (Men’s and Women’s Soccer)
2024    Jennifer White (Women's Basketball); Kenny Kelarek (Football)
 
 
2026 D2 CCA Excellence in Officiating - Female Recipients

Region	Conference	Honoree	Sport
East	CACC	Cheryl Anstotz	Lacrosse
South	SSC	Charity Cox	Lacrosse
Southeast	PBC	Desiree Dopson	Basketball
South Central	LSC	April Fricke	Volleyball
West	CCAA	Esther Hsu	Basketball
Midwest	GLVC	Michelle Kramer	Basketball
Central	MIAA	Jocelyn Price	Basketball
Atlantic	MEC	Colleen Thompson	Basketball

2026 D2 CCA Excellence in Officiating - Male Recipients

Region	Conference	Honoree	Sport
Midwest	GLVC	Kevin Driver	Basketball
South Central	LSC	Andy Dunklin	Football
Southeast	CC	Steven Grady	Baseball
East	CACC	Michael LoPresti	Bowling
Atlantic	PSAC	Dave Kolojejchick	Softball
South	GSC	Wes Smith	Basketball
Central	GAC	Ronnie Standridge	Football
West	GNAC	Chris Turner	Soccer

 
  
About D2 CCA: Initiated in 1992 to promote its member conferences and institutions, D2 CCA has made its mark in providing a united front for NCAA Division II athletics. Created after the break-up of the College Division Commissioners Association, D2 CCA continues to create lines of communication and opportunities for its member conferences. The D2 CCA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 62nd year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, visit www.nacda.com.