Over the summer, the athletic training staff went through many changes in the summer of 2023, one of them being the loss of several athletic trainers. With this conflict, the university is left with three athletic trainers to care for all student athletes.
Mari McCarthy, Jamie Hanna and Megan Stella will carry the load until the staff is able to rebuild.
Sophomore Emily Varga, a track and cross country runner, had nothing but praise to give the understaffed department.
“They have been doing a great job, especially with the situation they have been given,” said Varga. “[Having] a staff of three having to manage all student athletes is crazy, but they have handled it very well.”
New Director of Sports Medicine and Sports Performance Chris Ikier, who was hired to the staff last week, is also impressed with the short staffed crew.
“Jamie, Mari and Stella have been rockstars and are killing it,” said Ikier. “They’ve been able to step up and keep the ship afloat.” Ikier adds that looking ahead, the university would like to increase the number of employees to round out the athletic training staff.
“We still have one open spot that we are hoping to fill as soon as possible,” he said.
Along with working countless hours, the athletic trainers must ensure that all the student athletes receive the best treatment possible.
Junior track athlete Max Corson is hopeful the trainers will be able to manage an increased workload and find time to meet with all the athletes throughout the year.
“The past few years I’ve come to trust the athletic training staff,” said Corson. “It will be a tough hurdle, but not one the athletic trainers can’t overcome.”
With fall sports nearly a month into their season, student-athletes will continue receiving the necessary treatment provided to them.
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