Athletic Training Students Win Consecutive Year at Annual Symposium

Published: May 12, 2016 | Author: Lexi Carter | Read Time: 2 minutes

Athletic trainers are experts in evaluating, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries resulting from physical activity. Southern Utah University’s Athletic Training Program educates and provides opportunities for students to become immersed in the practical application of these skills.

At the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association annual symposium in April, SUU’s athletic training students won the athletic training quiz bowl defending their title from last year beating 27 other teams from throughout the western United States

Speaking of the experience, recent SUU graduate Ashley Torok said, “SUU won last year, so our team felt the pressure of returning the trophy to our university. My group was able to work together really well, so when it came to questions we weren’t positive on the answer we were able to communicate and brainstorm.”

This victory comes from the knowledge and training students receive from the exceptional faculty and staff in the athletic training program. Nathan Slaughter, athletic training director at SUU, said he is proud of his students’ hard work.

“As professors, we spend a lot of time ensuring that the students learn and know what to do in a situation,” said Slaughter. “We don’t educate them for the certification test, we don’t educate them for the quiz bowl—we educate them because they will be taking care of someone’s kid. We are strict and tough in the classroom so they know how to save a life.”

Students recognize this hands-on approach to learning as invaluable, especially the personal interactions the students experience with SUU’s collegiate athletes. Smaller classroom sizes and more interaction with the sports teams lend a unique and beneficial learning experience to students accepted into the athletic training program.

Jessie Smith, recent graduate and another team member competing at the national competition, commented that the teachers are a huge reason students are successful.

“It was evident throughout my education how much my professors and mentors cared about my success and that played such a crucial role in who I have become and what I will go on to do,” said Smith. “That doesn’t happen everywhere – SUU is a special place full of educators who have small enough classes to dedicate time and attention to each student’s needs.”

The students who won the District Bowl and plan on representing SUU in Baltimore for the national convention are:

• Brittany Goldberg (Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training)
• Jessie Smith (Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training)
• Jessi Thomson (Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training)
• Ashley Torok (Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training)

The team of four graduates will compete at the National Athletic Training Association’s convention from June 22 through 25 in Baltimore, MD.

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