The senior captain of the men’s basketball team lands awkwardly, jumping for a rebound, and his knee explodes. A women’s soccer player lies motionless of the turf after a mid-air collision with another player. It is the college athletic trainer who rushes to the scene after the first few seconds when these devastating sports injuries occur. Many fans attend the games to watch those star athletes, although the most important people are on the sidelines at every practice. And it is not the head coach.
March is National Athletic Training Month, and this year the national theme is “We Prepare-You Preform.” Athletic trainers are highly qualified and trained health care professionals. Most states have set regulations that require trainers to have national certifications through the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers. Head Athletic Trainer at Hood College, Jennie Bowker, put into words what athletic trainers do. Bowker states, “As athletic trainers, we need to prepare for any situation that might arise.”
Athletic trainers indubitably play critical roles in athletic programs. They focus on prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation of injuries so the athlete can return to play. They do not ask for any attention, but they deserve to be recognized and valued for what they do for the athletes here at Hood College. In the world of Blazer sports, there are two people that are vital to the athlete’s survival: the athlete and the athletic trainers. They are the ones who help heal every injury and stretch tight muscles. Without athletic trainers, teams would not be able to function. Without their preparation, student athletes would not be able to perform.
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