Take One Minute

Take One Minute. 60 seconds. It’s not long. But in that 60 seconds you can watch the story of how a young athlete’s life was saved. 60 seconds is very important in this story, because 60 seconds is longer than the time it took for Claire Crawford to collapse on the volleyball court, the Athletic Trainer and staff to respond, and for CPR to be initiated. Can you believe all of that happened in 56 seconds?

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Athletic Trainers: Healthcare Providers or Wannabes?

This post is likely to come off as a rant this evening, but I’m sorry: gotta do it! For those of you who may not know, I am a Certified Athletic Trainer. I am licensed in both Illinois and Texas. And I also hold a Masters Degree in Medical Sciences specializing in Pediatric Sports Medicine. So, just understand where this is coming from…

Athletic Trainers in Secondary Schools

The Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) is specially trained and educated to handle injuries related to sport and recreation. ATs undergo clinical and didactic tracks in the pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree that allows one to sit for the certification exam through the Board of Certification. For over 60 years, ATs have provided health services to thousands of athlete-patients but over the course of time some of these professionals have chosen to pursue employment outside of what is referred to as the “traditional setting.” While not inherently wrong, the author believes that the student-athletes of thousands of high schools are missing out on a valuable resource. Additionally, this exodus has created a separation amongst the profession that could ultimately destroy the profession. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is made up of about 35,000 members and it is time that all 35,000 members become united with a goal to provide every athlete with the athletic healthcare he or she so deserves¹.

NATA 2015– What’s Your Reason

This week the NATA’s national convention will be in St. Louis. I will head there on Tuesday and this will be my third time attending the national convention, second time in St. Louis. That’s not bad considering this is my 5th year in the profession. 3 of 5 isn’t terrible! But, why do people attend convention?

Be Prepared

Be Prepared– A motto that the Boy Scouts introduced. And a concept that Athletic Trainers practice.

Be Prepared. For what? ANYTHING. Athletic Trainers are prepared for just about anything. We take the time to prepare prior to a game or practice so that you can perform fully. We prepare for emergencies. We prepare for weather.

Inspiration to be an Athletic Trainer

I have a football coach who tells me all the time “I don’t know why anybody would want to be a (athletic) trainer. Y’all are always getting abused and working a ton for little pay!” Sometimes I think about that. Why do we do it? Why do we put up with coaches and parents always harassing us?

15 Reasons to Hire an Athletic Trainer

Sticking with the seemingly regular trend as we roll into 2015, I’m going to give you 15 reasons your school should hire an Athletic Trainer in the New Year…

Athletic Trainer’s Thanksgiving

I have many things to be thankful on this Thanksgiving. Way too many to truly name, but I’m going to certainly give it a shot!

• I’d be in trouble if I didn’t mention them first: my parents and my family. The support over the last few years while I have worked to build my career has been amazing. 
• The administration at Bishop Lynch High School for believing in me and giving me the ability to make the move to Texas to become their new Head Athletic Trainer this summer. The staff, parents, and kids for welcoming me into the Bishop Lynch community.
• My mentors over the years. The advice and encouragement has made me into the Athletic Trainer that I am today. They are there by my side when I need them the most!
• The #ATtalk and #AT4ALL Twitter family. We are creating change in sports safety. And we will not give up until we complete our mission!
• My wonderful assistant, Sarah, and team physician, Dr. Moore. They have made our first fall season as a staff a success! The three of us work together so well in order to achieve athlete safety for our Friar athletes.

Every Athlete Deserves an Athletic Trainer.

What Does #AT4ALL Mean?

Simple question, but is there is a simple answer? Occasionally I get asked this question. What does #AT4ALL mean? To so many people, it can mean so many different things. I recently asked this question on Twitter and as of this writing, I only had one reply. And her reply was different than mine. Her reply was on a more global picture than my definition.

Hello There From Texas

Hello there from Texas! I know I haven’t written for a little while, but let me update you on where I’m at now and what is new for me. July 29^th I received a phone call that would change my life. I accepted a new position at the Head Athletic Trainer for Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, TX. In the matter of 6 days, I accepted a new job, resigned from my previous position, moved from Waterloo, IL to Dallas, TX and started my new job.