June/July 2023 - 4

Editor's Letter
Beyond the Job Description
June/July 2023 Vol. 33 No. 3
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor
Wesley Sykes, 616-520-2149
wsykes@greatamericanpublish.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Group Publisher
Brian Virgona, 616-520-2140
brianv@greatamericanpublish.com
Publisher
Mark Goldberg, 616-520-2175
mgoldberg@greatamericanpublish.com
Account Specialist
Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
PRODUCTION
Senior Client Success Representative
Jolan Godfrey, 616-520-2148
jgodfrey@greatamericanpublsh.com
Junior Graphic Designer
James Patterson III, 616-745-2168
jpatterson@greatamericanpublish.com
Senior Graphic Designer
Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
gryan@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director
Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
CIRCULATION
Audience Development Director
Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
bstovall@greatamericanpublish.com
CORPORATE
CFO
Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
COO & CMO
Kim Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CEO
Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
mmccallum@greatamericanpublish.com
Training & Conditioning (ISSN 1058-3548) is published
5 times a year in February, April/May, June/July, August/
September and October/November by Great American
Media Services, 75 Applewood Dr., Suite A, Sparta, MI
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professionals involved with competitive athletes. The
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years in the United States, and $30 for one year and
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4 | Training & Conditioning | June/July 2023
A
By Wesley Sykes
Managing Editor
thletic trainers play a vital
role in the world of high
school and college athletics,
serving as essential healthcare
providers and support systems for
athletes. Their significance cannot be
overstated, as they contribute to the
overall well-being and performance of
athletes in numerous ways.
They are trained professionals
who specialize in preventing,
diagnosing, and treating sportsrelated
injuries. They possess an
in-depth understanding of anatomy,
physiology, and biomechanics,
allowing them to assess and address
injuries effectively.
In the event of an injury, athletic trainers are often the first responders on
the field. Their immediate care and assessment are crucial in determining the
severity of the injury and providing appropriate initial treatment. They are
skilled in providing immediate aid, including first aid, CPR, and emergency
management. Their ability to make quick decisions and provide timely
treatment can significantly impact an athlete's recovery and long-term health.
Athletic trainers also serve as valuable resources for athletes, coaches,
and parents. They educate individuals on injury prevention techniques,
proper nutrition, and overall wellness. They work closely with coaches to
design conditioning programs that enhance performance and minimize the
risk of injuries. By promoting healthy habits and proper techniques, athletic
trainers empower athletes to perform at their best while safeguarding their
well-being.
Lastly, athletic trainers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process.
They design and implement individualized rehabilitation programs, monitor
progress, and provide ongoing support to injured athletes. Their expertise
in therapeutic exercises, modalities, and rehabilitation techniques aids in
optimizing recovery and facilitating a safe return to play.
But more than all of that, athletic trainers are people-persons. They get to
know your athletes on a daily basis. They may recognize bad body language
when an athlete is feeling blue. They may offer words of encouragement
or advice while taping ankles. They take the lead in organizing community
events and fundraisers. They piece together emergency action plans that not
only benefit the athletes and coaches but the school and the community as
a whole.
And that's what we, at Training & Conditioning, look for when choosing the
Most Valuable High School Athletic Trainer of the Year winners. Who goes
above and beyond their job description to ensure the lives around them are
just a little bit better? Who has the best interest of the school, team, family
members, and individual athletes in mind when making decisions? Who is
ensuring the next generation of athletic trainers can carry the baton further
and longer than the previous generations?
It is those individuals who stand out among the group. And it is those
individuals who we are highlighting with this year's award.
Enjoy this month's issue. n
June/July 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June/July 2023
