2006-2007 News

Students and Staff Attend Midwest College and University Sports Medicine Meeting

This May 25th -26th three athletic training students decided they would like to expand their professional development opportunities. Senior, Angela Sanchez, and Juniors, Drew Yoder, and David Herrera accompanied Athletic Trainers, Jay and Dana Hoffman to the Midwest College and University Sports Medicine Meeting hosted at Illinois State University.

The three Graceland University students participated in discussions along with a dozens of certified athletic trainers from all over the Midwest. During the two-day meeting participants discussed topics including, but not limited to: drug testing and policy development; concussion testing protocols; appropriate medical coverage; eating disorders; emergency action plans, and insurance issues. Students also had the opportunity to talk with a handful of athletic trainers about potential graduate assistantship opportunities.

"This was a very valuable opportunity for students to network, interact with other programs, and gain insight into issues that are pertinent to today's practicing athletic trainer," stated Internship Coordinator, Jay Hoffman. Students were also able to accumulate a wealth of materials that will assist them in their academic studies and professional careers. Collegiate Sports Medicine Foundation Co-President and meeting presenter, Brian Anderson, remarked that having students at the meeting was a first for the meeting, but was a welcome sight. When asked about the experience the students seemed to agree that there was a lot of information to remember in such a short period of time, but they took away a number of positive lessons about what transpires during a professional meeting or symposium.

Athletic Training Students Gather for Annual Awards Banquet
May 13, 2007

Gathering as a group for a final farewell to the graduating seniors and the chance to recognize a few students with awards, the Graceland University athletic training program had their annual awards barbeque on Wednesday evening. This evening of fun and fellowship provided an opportunity to discuss memories as well as a goodbye of sorts to both the senior students and GU's two departing full-time trainers, Jay and Dana Hoffman.

After a delicious barbeque meal was shared by all, the Student Athletic Training Association (SATA) announced their officers for the 2007-2008 school year which included the naming of Scott Akers as president, Dylan Hogan as vice president, and Lauren Hartnett as the organization's secretary.

For the second year in a row, a GU athletic training student received the Area Recognition Award for the Health and Movement Science Department. This year's recipient of this honor went to Amy Moran.

Other awards were handed out as well including Newcomer of the Year (Ashley Carpenter), Most Improved A.T. student (Francisco Serrata) and the Athletic Training Student of the Year also went o Amy Moran. Vince Fedorowich was honored as the Most Distinguished Athletic Training Student to close out the awards portion of the evening.

Finally, to close out the evening's activities, a farewell picture montage was shown for Jay and Dana Hoffman for their loyal years of service to the athletic training program and to Graceland University. Their dedication and hard work will be missed next year as they both move on to other opportunities.