Trevor James, the new Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA), says he is not satisfied with the level of media coverage at local track and field events and has indicated that his first priority will be to work on increasing exposure for the sport. James was elected at the NAAA's annual general meeting at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo last Saturday (November 28), taking over the reins from Peter Samuel. Speaking to the Guardian, the University of Tennessee graduate said: "Certain members of the media may attend to certain sports that they see are given more priority over track and field. When it comes to our championships, it's not just about 100m for men and after that the media disappear. "It is more about the whole product itself that I would like to see the media, whether it be electronic or print showing up more and giving us more mileage that we need. It is not just about the Olympics and the open championships or if something happens. We would like to see media present every time."
James, who previously served as a committee member on the NAAA executive, feels the organisation has to play its part in working with the media. "Maybe we, from the NAAA, need to do a little bit more on the marketing, sending out press releases and giving gentle reminders saying 'We are having a track and field meet and we would like to have your presence'. Both parties need to work with one another." The 1972 Olympian is hoping to execute the job with the same passion he had as an athlete when he travelled to Munich, Germany 38 years ago as part of T&T's 4x400m Relay team. James, who coaches the Quantum athletic club, said his love for the sport has never died. "I am positive thinker when it comes to my sport. I have a passion for track and field and I hope it was reflected in the first meet I put on this year: The Quantum Classic."
The 1971 Pan American Games 4x400m relay bronze medallist also believes his experience in running his own business will assist him greatly. "I am also aware from having my own business what is required when you look at marketing, public relations and how we should be advertising the sport. I am hoping to use that and I want to see more things done, not just about our championships from the NAAA's stand point but anything that the NAAA is responsible for. We need to market track and field and our athletes." James has coached some of the country's top athletes, including his son Jameel James, who won a bronze medal in the Men's 200m at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Grosetto, Italy. He also coached Jamaal James (no relation), the national junior 800m record holder (1:47:00), 2005 World Youth finalist and 2007 Pan American silver medallist.