News

On Friday April 26, 2019 the NATAPAC held at event at the Riverwalk Golf Course in San Diego, CA in conjunction with the District 8 annual meeting. It was attended by over 60 ATs and AT students to support the message to shape federal laws that affect the AT profession.  A special beer mug, 3 kinds of craft beer, nacho bar and games were included in the event.  Over $2,900 was…

On March 28, Mt. SAC Head Athletic Trainer Bill Ito was named California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) Athletic Trainer of the Year. The annual award is presented and voted by his peers in the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association. Since his arrival in January of 2008, Ito has served the Mt. SAC Student-Athletes, tending to their medical needs. He currently works with the men’s and women’s Cross Country and…

California Baptist University (CBU) hosted a NATA Hall of Fame Breakfast on March 8, 2019, in celebration of National Athletic Training Month. About 100 athletic trainers and athletic training students from Southern California attended, including students and faculty from CBU, CSU Fullerton, University of La Verne, and CSU Long Beach. Longtime ATs Bill Chambers, Dr. Robert Kersey, Julie Max, Dr. Tom Abdenour, Andy Paulin, and Fran Babich answered questions, shared…

Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table (SBART) celebrated National Athletic Training Month by recognizing Athletic Trainers on March 11, 2019 at the weekly luncheon. SBART President recognized that the athletic trainers were the first at an event and the last ones to leave. One of the coaches from Westmont College thanked his Athletic Trainer for being at his track meets and providing the medical care. Local school athletic trainers were recognized…

The District 8 athletic training family is saddened to learn that Dick Nelson, father of Jeff Nelson, has passed away. Dick suffered a stroke in January and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 16, 2019. Jeff Nelson has had a 30+ history as a vendor and friend to athletic trainers when he was with MBM and Alert Services. He is currently with Henry Schein.  His father, Dick…

Leroy Heu celebrated National Athletic Training Month by providing Athletic Training Services at the 19th Annual Special Olympics North Divisional Basketball Tournament at the UCSB Thunder Dome Events Center.  There were over 400 athletes representing Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Ventura, Santa Clarita, Bakersfield, Simi Valley and Burbank. This year marked the inaugural name change to “The Gary Cunningham Special Olympics Basketball Competition”.  The opening ceremonies included the naming ceremony…

The FWATA PR committee is pleased to share that on Jan 31, 2019 Carolyn Greer was Honored during the the San Diego Sports Association Salute to Champions event. This Sports Gala honors both individual and team accomplishments from stars of the month to all-time greats. She shared a class of honorees that included Steve Fisher, Meb and Phillip Rivers. What was a 5’2 head athletic trainer doing at this event?…

The FWATA Public Relations Committee is pleased to announce the 2019 Winter Quarter winner of the Excellence in Athletic Training Award. Each quarter, the Excellence in Athletic Training Award celebrates District 8 athletic trainers or athletic training student members who display an exceptional commitment to mentoring, professional development or enhancing the quality of health care. This quarter’s winner is Kelly Ketcham, ATC. Ketcham is the head athletic trainer and Assistant Athletic…