Welcome to the Blog

     So way back in the spring of 1994 at the University of Kansas (ROCK CHALK, JAYHAWK) I decided I was going to change my major to Athletic Training.  I remember sitting down with Head Athletic Trainer, and now NATA Hall of Fame member, Lynn Bott in the bowels of Allen Field House.  The Athletic Training Room was being  remodeled so he was in a temporary office.  He told me about the program, what it would entail, and what I would have ahead of me.  I remember walking across campus after the meeting and feeling comfortable with my decision, but who really knew at that point.
My next memories involve being in the training room for my required observation hours.  We were told that we had to do 25 hours while enrolled in the Care and Prevention of Athletic Injury Course in order to apply to the Athletic Training Program.  From the moment I stepped foot in the Training Room, I knew I was HOME.  I ended up with around 128 hours of observation that semester.  I simply couldn't get enough. I
immediately felt the need to be there as much as possible.  It wasn't because I felt that it would look better as I applied to the program, but rather every moment was a learning experience.  There was always something else to see, to learn, to be a part of.  There was always a new injury being evaluated, a new rehab exercise being taught, a new case to follow.  I was hooked.  This was what I wanted to do for my career.  No question about it.
Here I am almost 19 years after finding my path. In my 17th year as a Certified Athletic Trainer, I still love what I do. What about you? Are you a die hard like me? Are you burnt out? Are you frustrated?
It has always bothered me when a strong colleague, a good Certified Athletic Trainer, leaves the profession.  This blog is my small contribution to help other colleagues stay in love with what they do. If we want the Profession of Athletic Training to grow, we need strong professionals to make that happen. Some posts might involve career advice, drawing from things I have dealt with along the way.  Some posts might be sharing a comical story that only a fellow Certified Athletic Trainer would be amused by.  Some posts might be me stepping up onto my soap box on a specific topic. (yeah...expect more than a few of those).
So enjoy, and if you read something you like, leave a comment and spread the word.

#AT4EVER
#AT4ALL

Todd