uno atep spring newsletter 2012

7/31/2019 UNO ATEP Spring Newsletter 2012

1/16

May 11, 2012Greetings! I hope that this finds you all well and off to

opportunity to inform you that I will be leaving UNO to become

the Sports Medicine Program Coordinator at The NebraskaMedical Center. Actually, as I write this, my keys are turned inand this, in all likelihood, will probably be the final document thatI will type on this computer (nothing like starting a note off withan upbeat tone, huh?) In all seriousness, while it may seem some-what sad - nothing could be further from the truth. Just as wecelebrate new beginnings for our students with commencement,and promising opportunities for the athletic training program atUNO.

I think that my wife put it best when she said that it seems almost surreal that today ismy last day (and after looking up the definition, which I often do when she uses big words J), I

first came to work at UNO 15 years ago it was a dream come true. I was coming to a well-respected university, to work with an outstanding staff of athletic trainers and physicians, and wasgiven the opportunity to work with the upstart hockey team, which at the time, was the talk ofthe town. And now (as I described it to the students when I announced that I was leaving 3 shortweeks ago) I am in what some would describe as a pinnacle of athletic training positions; the HeadAthletic Trainer at a Division I institution; instructing outstanding students in a highly reputableathletic training education program; working with a group of physicians that are second-to-none;and working with a staff of athletic trainers who are- without a doubt, simply the best. Profes-sionally, this has been and to this day continues to be, an incredible opportunity that has affordedme experiences and memories that are priceless.

When I assumed the Head Athletic Trainer position 6 years ago, I knew at the time thatthere were big shoes to fill. Before me, a long line of Head Athletic Trainers had established andcontinued the tradition of nothing short of excellence in all that surrounds the athletic training

and mentors during my time at UNO. As I leave this position, I can only hope that I have donemy small part to ensure its continued success as well as those before me did.Without a doubt, these are extremely exciting times at UNO and I know that both the AthleticTraining Department and the Athletic Training Education Programs will continue to grow andflourish under the leadership of those who are already here, and those who are yet to come. Icould not be more proud to be a part of the Maverick family now and always. Thank you all forthe opportunities and friendship. Most importantly, be certain that in all that lies ahead, the bestis yet to come for this program.GO MAVS!!

Rusty McKune, ATCHead Athletic Trainer

(Rusty will be receiving the NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award at the NATA NationalConvention in St. Louis this summer.)

From the Desk of Rusty McKune

MATS NewsS P R I N G 2 0 1 2M A V E R I C K A T H L E T I C T R A I N I N G

S T U D E N T SU N I V E R S I T Y

O F

N E B R A S K A

A T O M A H A

M A T S :

A Student

Organization

Dedicated to

Achievement,

Community, and

Personal

Enrichment

INSIDETHE ISSUE

Mellion

Clinical

MAATA

High School

Graduate

Alumni

ATEP

Stuff Our


2/16

P A G E 2

of the Moe and Irene

Mellion Scholarship

were:

Cassie Metzner

And

Megan Stuhr

Moe & Irene Mellion ScholarshipBy Stacy Dahlkoetter

There are many scholarships available for the athletic training students at theUniversity of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). One in particular has strong ties to the UNOathletics family. The Moe and Irene Mellion Scholarship is a scholarship that is available tohas served as President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Senior Vice Presi-dent and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, AssociateMedical Director of the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and Chairman ofits National Council of Physician Executives. Moe also served as a faculty member at thetaught family practice and sports medicine courses. He also was the author of multiplesports medicine textbooks, including Team Physicians Handbook and Sports Medicine Se-crets.

The scholarship was endowed in 2002. Tom Frette was instrumental in the de-velopment of the scholarship when he was the Head Athletic Trainer at UNO. The firstscholarship was awarded in 2003. Each scholarship is funded through private donations of

former UNO student-athletes, athletic training students, UNO alumni, physicians, friendsand co-workers. The scholarship was established in honor of Moe Mellion because hewas instrumental in providing optimal health care to the student-athletes as well as theeducation of the athletic training students at UNO. He spent time covering events, teach-ing classes, and overseeing weekly clinics at UNO usually sacrificing his personal and fam-ily time.

To be eligible for the scholarship an individual must be accepted as a Graduateor Undergraduate in the University of Nebraska at Omaha Athletic Training Program.The Undergraduates must maintain a GPA of at least 2.8 and the Graduates must main-tain a GPA of 3.0. Both Graduate and Undergraduate candidates must provide two lettersof recommendations. Today, two annual $500.00 scholarships are awarded to studentswho show exceptional performance in the Athletic Training Program in the academic andclinical settings.

M A T S N E W S

By Tycee Strawmier

The transition to becoming Full-time Clinical Coordinator has been a long time in themaking. Since I have been doing it part-time for the last 4 years it was a seamless transition.The question has always been which role would I prefer, the Director of IPC or Clinical Coordi-nator. It became apparent that a split of my position was necessary when IPC opened its newrenovated space in the fall of 2010 and the ATEP was bringing in a record number of students. Itbecame a struggle for me to give both parts of my job the attention I wanted to. IPC went fromhelping an average of 160 students on campus to 535 a month. And the students enrolled in thecision was made to add a fulltime clinical coordinator/instructor I decided to apply for the posi-tion because of the passion I have for this profession. It really came down to me asking how Icould have the biggest impact in the profession. I love working with the students and mentoringthem as future professionals. (Continued on Next Page)


3/16

P A G E 3M A V E R I C K A T H L E T I C T R A I N I N G S T U D E N T S

Clinical Coordinator Corner Continued:

tential and make an impact in the profession and attain their goals.

We are working on developing a practicum course to be implemented in the future to ensure

that we are bridging the gap between didactic and clinical teachings. This will only strengthen the pro-

gram and make our students better clinicians as our profession of Athletic Training evolves and changes

with competencies and proficiencies that CAATE provide us.

By Holly Remmenga

MAATA District Convention in Topeka Kansas was one for the books this year. The student representation wasextremely high and accounted for around half of the attendance at the convention. Much of the conference was aimed specifi-cally at the student population so it is no wonder attendance was so high. Students were able to participate in all parts of theseminars, plus the student classes and seminars which consisted of the ACES workshop to prepare for the BOC, careerround tables, student social, and much more. Networking during the convention proved to be beneficial, as we had a fewstudents just from UNO get internship and job offers.

All of these great opportunities were also accompanied by the simple draw of just having fun. MAATA was a great

way to get to know people in the profession from all over and to cut loose and have a little fun with them while also gaining

knowledge in the field. All in all MAATA district convention was a great experience which I hope to see everyone at next

-2nd. It is looking to be just as much fun as

MAATA with learning, networking and a little golf! Hope to see all of you there!

By Melanie McGrath

From March 16-17, I had the privilege of attending the

2012 MAATA Annual Meeting in Topeka, KS with Rusty McKune

and 11 UNO Athletic Training Students (and so many more

alumni!). Two students participated in the ACES BOC Exam Prep

workshop from Thursday-Friday, which was an excellent opportu-

nity to learn more about the exam and their own strengths/

weaknesses. Other students attending learning labs on fundamental

movements, shoulder evaluation and rehabilitation, and soft-tissue

mobilization. I was able to attend a session on using assessments to facilitate student learning, which will

help us develop program improvements based upon the outcomes we observe in our students. I also

attended the State and District Business meetings this year, which provided important information on

both our progress in the prior year, as well as important goals and tasks for the year ahead. Perhaps of

equal importance: Nebraska AT's now occupy three positions at the District Level: Doug Long is the

MAATA Conference 2012

The Nebraska

State

Conference

will be taking

place JUNE 1st

and 2nd in

Seward.


4/16

P A G E 4

MATS members

dressed up as

Zombies in order to

Athletic Training Month

Relay for LifeBy Courtney Peart

This year Relay for Life was set to be something spectacular. Something that Iwould never forget. It took 9+ months to help plan the event that would eventually raise$37,000 for the fight against cancer. Every person on our committee spent hours upon

hours working to create an event that would go off without a hitch. As a cancer survivor Iwas honored to be the Survivorship chair this year and with the help of Stacy Dahlkoetterand Lexie Eversley, we were able to ensure that every single survivor felt special that night.13th and the MATS team name was Zombies and our team took that to a higher level. Wehad a great time this year, participating in the volleyball tournament again, walking for 12hours, competing in the duct tape challenge and enjoying some very tasty food. Unlike lastyear, I was a big part of the event this year. With the helpof Stacy and Lexie, we conducted both the Survivorshipceremony and the Fight Back Ceremony.

This year I was also asked to share my personalcancer story during the Luminaria ceremony. I have neverbeen opposed to sharing my story and am usually fairly

open when talking about it, but sharing it in front of 400+people was a challenge that I never thought I'd have toface. Sharing my story was extremely difficult but wellworth possibly helping in the fight against cancer. At theend of the night, tired and sore from all the walking eve-ryone gathered for one final lap to support the survivorswho fought against cancer or who are still fighting againstcancer. I would like to thank everyone who joined us that unforgettable night, to all my fel-low MATS members who came out to show support and to Stacy and Lexie. Without thetwo of you helping me, this event wouldn't have been as amazing as it was.

By Anne Beethe

The month of March is known as National Athletic Training month. Therefore, the

our display case we created our own super hero athletic trainer and equipped himwith everything he would need to fight against injuries and save his athletes lives in-cluding an AED, spineboard, and kit filled with all kinds of tape, bandages, braces, andanything else we athletic trainers might need on a daily basis. The equipment in thebackground showed that we are more than glorified water boys and tape appliers.This case was displayed for the full month of March in theEppley business building. With all the color and style, itwas sure to attract many a wandering eye.

The Bulletin

Board was

up for theentire

month of

March

M A T S N E W S


5/16

High School Emergency


By AJ Ropers

It was just your normal Tuesday night junior varsity football game no injuries or

problems out of the norm, until the last three minutes. With the opposing team lined upfor a field goal to take the lead, the ball was snapped and our team rushed in to block thekick. All of the sudden, the athletic trainer and I heard a sound that was loud and verydifferent from your normal blocking noise. The sound was similar too a balloon popping.Immediately from the reaction of the players, the athletic trainer and I knew somethingwas wrong.

During the play, one of our players was kicked directly in the throat while divingto block the kick. Immediately the player started coughing up blood. With the help of his

teammates, he was able to get to the sideline where weimmediately began treatment. By the time the playergot to the sideline, he was having trouble breathing andstarting to go into respiratory shock.

As the athletic trainer tended to the athlete, I

to decrease the chance of his throat swelling shut. Aswe had a coach call 911, both the athletic trainer and Iworked to calm the athlete down and get him to slowhis breathing. Not being able to talk really freaked the

athlete out, so we had to keep reassuring him that everything was going to be okay. Aftera few intense minutes, we managed to get the athlete calmed down and breathing fairlynormal. EMS showed up 10-

After emergency surgery for a fractured hyoid bone, cracked trachea, torn cricoidcartilage, and voice box damage, the athlete was hospitalized for a week or two. He thenstarted the long process of healing and speech therapy.The athlete has made a full recovery and is currently

finishing up with speech therapy.At the time of the injury lots of emotionswere going through my head. These ranged from anxi-really was able to process the situation and tell myselfthat I helped save a life today. The first thought I hadthis was a major injury that we were going to need helpwith. I quickly gathered myself and was able to helpHe did exactly what he needed to do by telling me toget ice and have a coach call 911. The most important thing I probably learned that daywas that you always have to be ready for anything to happen. You must remain alert until

the last whistle blows. I also learned that remaining calm in an emergency situation is verycritical to ensure that proper care is provided.My recommendation to fellow students is to take all of your emergency situation

people will take this advice to heart and understand the importance of preparation foremergency situations.

End of YearAward Winners

Athletic Training Awards:Wayne and Mary Claire

Wagner Scholarship:Katie Heckenbach

Moe and Irene MellionScholarships:Cassie MetznerMegan Stuhr

School of HPER Awards:Undergraduate Service:Katie Hill

Undergraduate HonorsConvocation Award:Megan Stuhr

Helen Hewitt Scholarship:Megan Stuhr and Katie Hill

Graduate Service:Stacy Dahlkoetter

University Committee forResearch and Creative Ac-

tivity Graduate StudentGrant:Katie Heckenbach

Graduate School Awards:

Helen Hanson OutstandingGraduate Student Award:Katie Heckenbach

Regent's Tuition Waiver:Holly Remmenga

NSATA/NOH Scholarships:Stacy DahlkoetterCassie Metzner

MAATA/TOSA Medical En-try-Level ScholarshipKristen Cook
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=goal+posts&view=detail&id=84DFDA151588A66082C828974397ADBBEE434CEA&first=0&qpvt=goal+posts&FORM=IDFRIR


6/16

P A G E 6

Passing The Torch: New MATS Officers

MATS President Katie KittlesonIn the 2012-2013 school year Katie will be entering her 2nd year of graduate studies in

the ATEP program.

Hometown: Beaver Dam, WIFavorite Sport: Football or Basketball...tie!Hobbies: With the little free time I have, I just try and relax. Watch movies, hangout with friends...or go dancing!

Future goals in athletic training: I'd really like to put a foot in the door as awoman to work with equipment intensive sports like football or hockey.If you could be any piece of rehab equipment what would you be and

why? I'd want to be the swimex. Even when an injured athlete is at their low andfeels like they are really limited, they can work in the swimex and still break a

sweat. It's not easy but so worth it!If you could throw anyone in the swimex who would it be? Rusty...gottasee what he looks like with wet hair..hahaQuote to live by:

"Nothing will ever go accord-

ing to plan... just relax and try to have fun with whatever you are doing... and remem-

ber to SMILE!!!"

By Brandi Boston

The new officers have been chosen! All positions have new representatives and each

brings enthusiasm and ideas into the 2012-2013 school year!

M A T S N E W S

Dean's List:

Louise PattersonNicole RyleyMarcus Palimenio

Kristen CookLisa Maslowsky

Keaya Weber & Kari Stephens

Elizabeth (Liz) NormanMegan Stuhr


7/16

MATS Vice President: Megan Stuhr


In the 2012-2013 school year Megan will be entering her 3rd year of undergraduate

studies in the UNO ATEP program.

Hometown: OmahaFavorite Sport: gymnasticsHobbies: if I ever have free time I like to shop or watch moviesFuture goals in athletic training: become an athletic trainer for the San Diegochargers, marry one of the players and never have to work again :) just kidding!If you could be any piece of rehab equipment what would you be and

why? Swimex because I'm worth a lot of money! :)If you could throw anyone in the swimex who would it be?JoeyQuote to live by:

In the 2012-2013 school year Brandi will be entering her 2nd year of graduate studies in the UNO ATEP program.

Hometown: Sparks, NevadaFavorite Sport: to play softball, to work basketball or baseball and to watch football

Hobbies: Future goals in athletic training: If you could be any piece of rehab equipment what would you be and

why? Theraband, it can be used in many different situations and stretches withoutbreakingIf you could throw anyone in the swimex who would it be? Probably Masa I

think his reaction would be pricelessQuote to live by:

delegate and ask people for help! This is the program's newsletter, and you just put

MATS Secretary: Brandi Boston


8/16

P A G E 8

NSATA Representative: Holly RemmengaIn the 2012-2013 school year Holly will be entering her 2nd year of graduate

studies in the UNO ATEP.

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Favorite Sport: Hands down soccer and hockeyHobbies: Well other than living in the library I love to workout, watch movies,read, and pretty much just laugh about anything.Future goals as an athletic trainer: HOCKEY! I know it is a lofty goal but Iaspire to be the first female athletic trainer in the NHLIf you could be any type of rehab equipment what would you be and

why?: Hello Bosu Ball! You got it all bounce and fun yet hard, solid, and stable onthe other side. Best of both worlds who doesn't want to achieve that!?If you could throw anyone in the SwimEx who would it be?: I'm going tohave to keep this one to myself. I wouldn't want them to know when my surpriseattack was coming!Quote to Live by:

"Don't be afraid to be the best you can be and go for what you want. Use this as

a stepping stone and take it somewhere."

By Brandi Boston

This year the ATEP program graduated 14 of itsmembers all of which have made an impact on theprogram in one way or another. Not only have theseindividuals done well with the rigorous program of

juggling classes, clinical experience and somehow hav-ing a life . All of the graduates that have taken theBOC exam passed on the first try which gives UNO a

100% pass rate! (No pressure nextmemory or their thoughts on being a member of the program.Congratulations! "Today is your day. You're off to Great places!

you're off and away!" Dr. Suess

M A T S N E W S
http://sunset.orvsd.org/system/files/u237/GraduationCap_web.jpg


9/16

Graduate Memories


Louise PattersonUndergraduate Student

My most memorable moment was witnessing and helping handle an ankle dislocation while doing clinicals at Papil-

lon La Vista high school.

Josh SalinasUndergraduate Student

My favorite memory would have to be working my last Creighton basketball

game this past January. After the guys earned the victory, Coach Mac pulled

me in the middle of the locker room and said thanks for helping out this se-

mester. All the guys then ganged up on me, and gave me a sweaty group

hug. Then they started chanting for a speech, which I obliged. Couldn't

have thought of a better way to leave.

Sara Shively Undergraduate Student

Jake Ulrich Undergraduate Student

Stacy DahlkoetterGraduate Student

My most memorable moment is not funny but it sticks out in my mind the most.

teams, one of the athletes came in for an evaluation in the second week of my

clinical rotation and Masa had me do the evaluation by myself. Once I was done,

he took me to the side and asked what I thought it was when I told him, he

agreed and then told me to explain it to the athlete. I was way out of my com-

fort zone and had no idea how I was supposed to tell an athlete something like

that, but it was the greatest learning moment for me! I gained so much out of

that one evaluation

Kelsi Huseman Graduate Student

I would have to say that 10 years down the road when I look back

to my 2 years at UNO, I will remember the times with my class-

mates, ACI's, other ATEP students and all the athletes. My favor-

ite semester was definitely with the kids at Westside High School.

I am giving my ACI, Shawn Campbell, the high school athletic

training students (especially Erin, Kate and Shaq) and all our ath-letic training room customers and coaches a huge shout out and

thank you for making my time there truly unforgettable! From

flooding the wet room to seeing an unique oral injury on the first

play of the first home football game to doing more rehabs in one

day than I probably did the whole time at my other clinical rota-

tions, it was a great learning experience! Who doesn't love Friday

night Nebraska high school football! I just want to wish all of the

2012 graduates best of luck with finding their "dream job".

Jake Ulrich and Sara Shively with

Melanie and Tycee at Graduation

Melanie McGrath, StacyDahlkoetter and Rusty McKune

Right: 2nd year graduate students and theirspouses at the end of year banquet.


10/16

P A G E 1 0

Katie Heckenbach

and Heidi Murphy

pose for the camera !

Graduate Memories Continued...Katie HeckenbachGraduate Student

Nearly trying to electrocute myself with two of the batteries from the Powerflo

machine during Football Training Camp, it is funny now, although at the time I did

not think it was very funny.

Cassie MetznerGraduate StudentThe first two weeks of my internship with the volleyball team and switching

Heidi Murphy Graduate Student

spent with my classmates.

Courtney Peart Graduate StudentFor me, I think the most memorable thing about the last two years is the family I

have gained. My class is very unique in the fact that we are extremely close out-side of our athletic training duties. I have grown with my 7 classmates in so manyways. I couldn't be more thankful for them than I am right now. We have hadstruggles as a class and have had good times as a class but at the end of the daywe are family. We all said at the beginning of this journey that we wouldn't makeit through this without each others' help and that is exactly how I feel. I amgraduating because my classmates were there for me every step of the way and Iwas there for them. That's why I think we have been so successful. I can tell eve-ryone in the program right now that I truly met some of my best friends here andI don't picture my life without my classmates in it. So to all my classmates, thank

you for being you, I would not be where I am today without eachand every one of you. You guys are absolutely amazing and I am so

lucky to have had you all in my life the last two years...Here's to

AJ Ropers Graduate StudentOne of my most memorable experiences while in the athletictraining program was working with a professional baseball team.While working with the Omaha Storm Chasers, I got a taste ofhow professional sports operate. Although my current careerplans do not include pursuing a position in professional sports, myvery motivating and thrilling feeling when you see an athlete ontelevision that you personally worked with in the past. Also, I was

fessionals who could be potential contacts in the future.

I hope that current students in the UNO athletic training program and

also future program students can experience life changing memories similar to my

internship experience. With hard work and motivation anything is possible.

M A T S N E W S


11/16

Saying Goodbye to a few ACIs

P A G E 1 1M A V E R I C K A T H L E T I C T R A I N I N G S T U D E N T S

By Brandi Boston

vision I athletic training room. I had the students who knew them best share their memories and wishes for

you.

Sam Wilkins, UNO

I've had the opportunity to work with Sam for two out of the six semesters I've been in theUNO ATEP. The first semester was in the fall of 2011 with the baseball team here atUNO. It was definitely an interesting experience. Since Sam was only recently certified at

the time, the semester was somewhat of a learning process for both of us. It was a veryentertaining semester working with the baseball guys, and having an ACI that was only acouple years older than me made for some pretty fun times.I've also worked with Sam and the baseball team this spring semester for my internship.This semester has been hectic to say the least. With the heavy travel schedule, and thehigh number of more serious injuries this season, Mike, Sam and I have been working hardtrying to keep the guys healthy, and get the ones who have lost the season to injury pre-

pared for next season. Even with the challenging season, Sam has done a great job of maintaining a positive de-meanor which has helped make the hours of work in the ATR a very enjoyable portion of my internship.

It's safe to say that I've learned a lot from Sam from the year I had to work with him. He is a great friend,mentor, and colleague. The staff definitely has a challenge in replacing him next year. I'm more than sure Samwill be successful in the next step of his professional life.

-Josh Salinas 3rd year undergraduate student

Rachel Hadachek, UNO

Rachel Hadachek was an amazing ACI to work with. At first knowing shewas my age, I thought it might be a little difficult but it made the semester that muchbetter. As an ACI, Rachel was very open and trusting to let me take on individual

athletes and work with them on treatments, exercises and evaluations. Having thatkind of trust and relationship really helped build my confidence as an ATS. As anathletic trainer, Rachel is looked up to by many and really has worked hard to bewhere she is now. Rachel has an amazing ability to help people understand certainways of doing things and learning new techniques. If I had a question or did some-thing wrong, instead of just telling me the right answer or way to do things, shetaught me and helped me figure it out on my own. Knowing Rachel as a person, ACI,and athletic trainer was an amazing experience and I know she will go far in this profession. She will be missedbut I have the highest hopes for her.

-Katie Kittleson 1st year graduate student


12/16

P A G E 1 2

ACI Farewell ContinuedRyan Williams, Creighton University

Ryan has been so fun to work with. He is very easy to get along

with, and he is very passionate about what he does. He works hardto continue learning and growing to be the best that he can be. Ihave learned so much from him from all aspects of atheltic training.His dedication to athletic training will take him very far and will al-low him to do whatever he wants. I wish him the best of luck in hisedeavors!!

-Sara Shivley 3rd year, undergraduate student

Morgan Nichols, Creighton University

When starting my first clinical rotation as a grad student, I was obviously a littlesure what to expect from my ACI, the athletes, or any of theother ACIs or students. Coming into the program I had verylittle experience in the athletic training room, so I was a littleintimidated of many of the other students. When I found outthat my first rotation was with Creighton Volleyball, I was ex-cited because I had gotten a sport that I really enjoy, and manypeople had told me that Morgan was nice and easy to work with.Not only was she really nice and very easy to work with, but shealso made me feel welcome the moment I stepped in the door.Morgan has a great personality that made it really easy to workwith her, and she always tried to make the clinical site fun. Sherealized that both Lindsey and I were new to the program, andshe made the transition process really easy for us. She taught us many different things as wewent along, and tried to challenge us with different activities that made us apply what wewere learning in the classroom to the athletic training room. I had a great time working withMorgan and the volleyball team, and they made my first clinical rotation an awesome onethat I will never forget. I would like to thank Morgan for being so patient and understandingwith us, and wish her the best of luck in the future

-Katie Voth, 1st year graduate student

M A T S N E W S


13/16

Alumni Corner: Adam Hervert


I grew up in Ord, Ne which is located in central Ne-

braska. I came to UNO in the fall of 1999, and ap-plied to the UNO athletic training program in thespring of my freshman year. I graduated with mybachelors degree in may 2003. And thanks to myUNO education and experience in the ATR, I passedthe certification exam first try. I then went on toattend the University of South Dakota in Vermillionfor my Graduate degree in Athletic Administration,graduating in May 2005. I then took a job in Norfolk,

NE with a private outpatient clinic providing outreach coverage for Pierce High School. I am still covering thesame school, however my employment contract has shifted to the outpatient rehab department of the local hospi-tal. My wife and I currently reside in Pierce and we are expecting our first child together any day now! My son

lives in Lincoln with his mother and is a 6th

grader at Irving Middle School. He is a great kid, and student. He al-ways enjoys attending the sporting events with Dad, and being around all the student athletes.

How did you become interested in athletic training?I came to UNO with the plan for a career in Physical therapy. I had played sports in high school and had an inter-est in athletics and being involved in some way. So, I took the Intro to AT class and figured out that I could still doPT/Rehab and get to cover sports and work with athletes. So I applied to UNO Athletic Training Program andwas accepted.

What drew you to UNO?I chose UNO because it was different. All my classmates were attending UNL or UNK and only a couple were

small town America. After my visit to UNO I decided that it was the best fit for me.

What was your favorite memory from UNO as an athletic training student? Were there anyevents that you covered that stick out? Any injuries that stick out?

-ball. There are many fond memories at UNO the people were great. As far as a memorable event or injury? Iwould say that I loved the fact of traveling around the country with the teams. The National Dual Tournament inColumbus, Ohio with the wrestling team, or driving all night after the UND football game comes to mind. As farand their metal cleats. But really all my major injuries came after my time with UNO. So I would say that the inju-

ries I saw were pretty standard in an Athletic Training sort of way.

Where are you currently working?I am currently employed at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, NE. I provide coverage for Pierce highschool primarily and assist with area events and other high school coverage on an as needed basis.

Continued on next page


14/16

P A G E 1 4

Alumni Corner continued

your primary responsibilities. What is your current sportassignment?

A typical day for me would consist of aninconsistent morning schedule attendingathletes doctor or PT visits, or going to theoccasional meeting at the hospital. Then inthe afternoon I go to pierce and am avail-able to the entire student-athlete populationuntil that particular days practices or eventsend. I cover all 7-12 home events and anyevent.

What is your favorite part about your job?Easily the favorite part of my job is the athletes. The young kids are ex-tremely enjoyable to be around. And being a little competitive myself Ireally enjoy being around their competitive spirit.

What has been your greatest career accomplishment(s) todate?

This is difficult for me, I consider it a great accomplishment when a youngman or lady has been to the brink with injury and I have a key part in theirrecovery/rehabilitation. This is very satisfying for me. I am a relatively

Do you have any pieces of advice for our future AthleticTrainers?

Love it.With the long/unpredictable hours, no control over when coaches will calla practice session, some unappreciative athletes, some difficult parents/parents, athletes, coaches, and area healthcare providers, which may not

be familiar with Athletic Training and all that you have to offer yourschool/team/community.Sometimes there is a power struggle for healthcare of an injured athletebut always keep the athlete/patient in the center of all that you do.

M A T S N E W S


15/16

ATS in Action!


Sam Wilkins, Mike Roberts and

Josh Salinas

traction in Therapeutic modalities

Rusty Demonstrateshow to attach theharness forMechanical Traction

StacyDahlkoetterat Relay for

Life

Above: Sam Wilkins, Josh Salinas, andMelanie McGrath at the end of yearbanquetBelow: Megan Sturh and Katie Hillreceive Special Awards

Left: Relay for life with Lexie Eversley,Katie Heckenbach, Heidi Murphy andSam Steinspring

Katie Hill, Holly Remmenga andSam Steinspring dress up asZombies to scare away cancer

Right: Anne Beethe volunteers to docervical traction

Above: 1st year grads participate in casting labfor Ortho and Med.


16/16

Everyone knows that sometimes the things that peoples say are hilarious especially coming from and ath-letic population here are some of the most memorable quotes from this past school year, enjoy! If you hear

any clever ones this summer feel free to submit them!

One time I was stretching an athlete's finger after a severe sprain and it hurt so bad that they kept movingtheir non-injured hand closer to me. I told them not to hit me and they said "I'll try not to but it's just a re-flex."

blister)

"It's like ninjas fighting with ninja stars in my shoulder!"

Upcoming Events:

6/1: NSATA meeting6/9-10: Warrior Dash6/26-29: NATA Conference

In the NEXT ISSUE:-Summer Internships-Meet the New Head ATC at UNO- New Faces joining ATEP

uno atep spring newsletter 2012

Documents