By MEGAN SPRAY
Northwestern athletic trainers are being recognized this month for their work supporting student-athletes through injury, recovery and daily health needs
March is National Athletic Training Month, a time to highlight the role athletic trainers play in injury prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation of an injury and overall athlete wellness.
Keith Wear, Head Athletic Trainer at Northwestern, said the profession goes far beyond what fans see on the sidelines.
“It’s so much more than just being on the sideline handing out water,” Wear said.
He said athletic trainers work with athletes from the moment an injury occurs through their return to competition. That includes evaluation, treatment plans and rehabilitation. Trainers also support athletes’ mental health and often serve as trusted listeners and support.
“A lot of times we’re a confidant for them,” Wear said.
Wear said much of the job happens behind the scenes. Trainers arrive before practices begin, provide treatment throughout the day and often stay well after the games end.
“If I’m not here 10 to 12 hours a day, that’s a pretty rare thing,” Wear said.
Christy Kerfoot-Tidwell, Assistant Athletic Trainer at Northwestern, said athletic trainers are often the first line of care when an athlete is injured.
“We are trained in many different aspects,” Kerfoot-Tidwell said.
She said athletic trainers must complete 50 continuing education units every two years to maintain certification and stay up to date with research and technology. She added that more than 90% of physicians agree with athletic trainers’ clinical findings, which she said reflects the profession’s expertise.
“We’re not in it [the athletic training profession] to get rich,” Kerfoot-Tidwell said. “We’re in it for the outcomes. We’re in it to help people.”
In addition to injury care, she said trainers help athletes through personal challenges, academic stress and recovery motivation. She also works with the Alva High School athletes and provides education and insight on nutrition and injury prevention.
“It’s a lot of hours, but it’s really rewarding,” Kerfoot-Tidwell said.
Kenzie Golden, Assistant Athletic Trainer at Northwestern, works closely with the women’s soccer team and ranger baseball. She said she’s happy about the growing recognition that the profession is getting.
“I’m excited that the profession is growing and we’re getting more recognition,” Golden said.
Golden said one of her favorite parts of the job is building relationships with athletes while helping them both mentally and physically.
“It’s kind of like the best of both worlds,” Golden said. “From helping people but it’s also fun to be able to come out here, watch them and see them succeed on the field.”
All three athletic trainers said National Athletic Training Month is an opportunity to inform others about their work and how much may go unnoticed.
“It’s not just for emergency care,” Wear said. “It’s for everything. How can we help? That’s our goal.”