1998 Miracle Yearbook

Coach Jeff Reep,along with his son,analyze a Jacket play from the sidelines. (left) j acketfans display their love for mens' basketball. (below) by Ruthanne S. Pierson Athletic Trainers Special Thanks and Recognition Collegiate sports provide an opportunity for stu- dents to display their discipline,dedication,and God- giventalent. Yet,behindthescenes,ateamofstudents has spent countless hours helping these athletes reach their peak performance through their own discipline,dedication,and God-giventalents. These students study their discipline in the classroom and then practically apply it through 1500 required hours in the training room—they are the athletic trainers. Athletic training is the care, prevention,and reha- bilitation of injuries within the athletic population. Athletic trainers provide care when an immediate injury occurs. These students assess and provide immediate treatment. Prevention occurs when the trainer tapes, braces, and/or stabilizes an already ex- isting injury or joint. Finally, the trainer engages in rehabilitation,themaincomponentsincludingstrength, endurance, proprioception, and functional return to activity. Senior Jason Grahame explained that he chose the athletic training program because heloves sports,had a positive relationship with a high school athletic trainer, and enjoyed the sciences. Athletic training combined all three ofthese elements together. When asked whatan athletic trainer'sgreatestsatisfaction is, he responded,"helping other people." And helping others is exactly what athletic trainers do. mens'basketball/athletic trainers 249