The Springfield College Athletic Training program has a long-standing tradition in preparing athletic trainers for successful careers dating back to 1925, a legacy that was recently on display at the annual Eastern Athletic Trainers Association (EATA) annual educational convention.
During this showcase of athletic training professionals, Springfield College faculty, staff, students, and alumni all came together to manifest why the Springfield College Athletic Training program is viewed by peers, as the premiere program in educating and preparing AT professionals.
“During this conference, you get feedback from other institutions expressing how they admire the reputation of the AT program at Springfield,” said Dean of the Springfield College School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership and Professor of Athletic Training M. Susan Guyer. “It’s affirmation of our program to hear the feedback we receive at the conference. We are very proud of the quality of work that our faculty, staff, students, and alumni represent in the athletic training field.”
During the EATA weekend, Springfield College was consistently recognized with faculty members earning awards, students receiving scholarships, and alumni taking part in impressive poster presentations and workshops.
Standing at the top of the awards mountain was recognition for Guyer, who is widely respected in the athletic training profession. In recognition of her dedication to the AT field, she was inducted into the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM) Hall of Fame during the EATA celebration. In addition, she also earned the EATA Excellence in Leadership Award, an honor that recognizes a member of EATA who has provided leadership that enhances the profession of athletic training at all levels.
“Athletic Trainers do such important work on a daily basis at many different levels, and it’s such an honor to be recognized by your peers within the athletic training community,” said Guyer, who is also a past recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award during her career. “Being a part of the Springfield College legacy means so much because the program has produced so many successful athletic training professionals.”
Joining Guyer in the awards circle were current faculty member and recent ATOM President Brett Winston, and Class of 2023 students Paige Butler and Kaylie Langer. Winston, who serves as the current Coordinator of Clinical Education, earned the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts Rising Leader Award. Langer received the EATA Carl Krein Scholarship, while Butler earned both the EATA Koko Kassabian Scholarship, and the Charles J. Redmond Scholarship.
“With the Charles J. Redmond Scholarship being named after our very own Charlie Redmond, class of ’68 and graduate class of ’71, we always enjoy when our current students receive the award,” added Guyer. “The students are so deserving of their recognition, and they represent that next generation of athletic training excellence.”
The one constant that links all generations of Springfield College Athletic Training professionals is the belief in our Humanics philosophy.
“As the torch gets passed, it’s the commitment to service to others that is always a main part of what we do,” added Guyer. “It’s so rewarding to see the younger faculty and current students carrying on the Springfield College Athletic Training legacy, and that legacy is very much rooted into our Humanics philosophy.”
Culminating this year’s EATA celebration was a special moment that occurred during the weekend, an event that really bonds all athletic training professionals together.
“During the weekend, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was released from the hospital after the scary moment we all witnessed on Monday Night Football in early January. When we heard he was released from the hospital, it was a celebration because he had AT’s who saved his life, that’s what AT’s are trained to do,” added Guyer. “It was just a very special moment for everyone in the profession, and it exemplified what being an athletic trainer is all about.”
EATA Notes – Long-time Director of the Springfield College Athletic Training Program Mary Barnum was in attendance leading a workshop with Guyer and professor Kelsey Rynkiewicz. Both Barnum and Guyer were recognized for their work as co-chairs of the EATA Education Summit.
In addition, Athletic Training Program Director Jessica Barrett was recognized for her work on the EATA Scholarship and Education Summit Planning Committees, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and Fieldwork Coordinator Matt Mills was honored for his work as chair of the EATA Moyer Award Committee. Winston also chaired the EATA Quiz Bowl Committee. Four senior athletic training students presented posters, Christa Carr and Christion Sonnergren presented together, Paige Butler and Kylie Lander each presented their own poster. Current students Christa Carr and Christian Sonnergren presented with Winston serving as a faculty author.
