Feb. 25, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU GEARS UP FOR NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – With 45 students enrolled in The Rock’s Athletic Training Program and many graduates finding employment in the field, Slippery Rock University’s Bonnie Siple says National Athletic Training Month in March will be cause for much celebration at SRU this year.

           “This March, certified athletic trainers across the nation are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to helping active people prevent injuries and stay healthy and active,” says Siple, coordinator of The Rock’s athletic training major. “We would also like to recognize the 45 athletic training students enrolled in our nationally accredited programs. These students carry on a proud, 29-year tradition of excellence in athletic training education.”

           Athletic training at The Rock received a boost this semester when Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education board of governors approved an athletic training major, enhancing the credentials of Rock graduates seeking employment as high school, clinic, college or professional athletic trainers.

            The 120-credit bachelor of science degree upgrades an area of specialization in athletic training that has been offered at the university for nearly three decades. The major gives undergraduates the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide care to athletes and the physically active in six specialty areas:

•          Prevention of athletic injuries

•          Evaluation and assessment of injuries

•          Immediate care of injuries

•          Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning after athletic injuries

•          Health care administration

•          Professional development and responsibility

            Graduates of SRU’s Athletic Training Program have achieved a 100 percent placement rate in one of their top three choices for employment, graduate school or physical therapy schools, says Dr. Susan Hannam, chair of the department of exercise and rehabilitative sciences. Nearly three-fourths of recent graduates have enrolled in either graduate or professional schools.

Many graduates work for local high schools, colleges, clinics and hospitals.  Barbara Kennard, class of 1991, Carissa Hicks, ’99, and Richard Hawke, ’96, are athletic trainers at Neshannock, Shannango and Union high schools in Lawrence County through Jameson Health Systems.  Kay Mitchell-Emigh, ‘83, is head athletic trainer at Grove City College.  Robert Blanc, ’92, is the head football athletic trainer for the University of Pittsburgh.  Jamie Weary, ‘99,  is a physical therapist and athletic trainer at Westminster College.  Of the seven certified athletic trainers at SRU James Coco, ’01, Michael Fahy, ’99, Michele Kabay, ’89, Bonnie Siple, ’91, and Scott Zema. ’90, are Rock athletic training alumni. 

PN