In the course of time, medical trainers have been outshined and uncredited for their determined work. After endless hours of being at games, they are the reason why the athletes stay healthy and give their best performance.
The head trainer, Liz Wagger, shares her experience in the program and how the evolution of technology has improved the outcome of the treatments.
“We’re trying to get things that are better to make work more efficiently, and be able to work faster,” Wagger said. “It gives us more time to concentrate on what we need to and it helps us so we’re not so overworked.”
Although there’s a lot of access to improved machinery, the real work is done by the students themselves. With passion and a hope towards their future, this program allows future medical trainers to acquire knowledge before going into college.
“I like this program because it’s what I plan on doing as my career,” Rylan Mahon said.“It’s getting me ready to go into the real world.”
While the majority of sports fans are focused on the game and who will win, on the other hand, trainers are focused on the performance of the athletes, how they are running, and how their bodies hold up throughout the game—especially if it’s a hands-on sport such as football.
“We pay attention to prevent injuries and help treat them,” Mahon said. “Anything can happen—someone can drop in a matter of seconds—and it’s up to us to help them.”
Bonding and getting to know each other is a crucial step for the team. As they mentally process the leave of Mr. Sean, the last head trainer, Mahon shares the journey of the program as they welcome and adapt to a new trainer assistant.
“Since Mr. Kell came in before school started, we got to get to know him a little bit,” Favor Ajayi said. “We have to get to know him pretty quickly, but we manage it, and he’ll fit great with the program and our people.”
Despite all the passion amongst the staff, the first year students initially lack motivation. Although it’s common, it affects the group and the more mature students get frustrated.
“I think a lot of the other students don’t have the same heart and mindset as some of the older, and more experienced trainers,” Mahon said. “If I can help the younger trainers who don’t really care too much about what they’re doing understand why the rest of us are doing this. I think it could boost our program a lot.”
