Athletic trainers don't want to be noticed.
That means something bad happened.
Such was the case in January when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during a National Football League game in January at the Cincinnati Bengals. That put the importance and the role of athletic trainers at all levels of sports into a new focus.
Every March, however, is National Athletic Training Month, which spreads awareness about the important work of athletic trainers, meaning notice is what athletic trainers should receive – in every month.
"I think it brought more of a light to what we do," said
Josh Wiemels, Ashland University head athletic trainer of the Hamlin situation. "It's more than just handing out water and taping ankles. It's emergency action planning. When there's somebody who has a cardiac problem or, in football, if they get hit and have a spinal problem…broken arms, broken legs, things like that.
"That way, when we do have an emergency, we're able to perform and get it taken care of in the best manner and quickly enough, so that we can get them to the hospital and get them the help they need."
Wiemels and assistant athletic trainers
Ashley Anderson,
Ben Biddinger,
Chayse Casto,
Rob Cremeans,
David Jameyson and
Kate Karpoff work with the 24 Eagle athletic teams through Ohio Health, the official health care provider for Ashland University athletics.
"We're all hired through Ohio Health, which makes it, I think, better for us, because we're more of an independent health care system," Wiemels said. "There's actually a lot of universities and schools that are moving more toward that model."
As is the case with much of everyday life, the post-COVID-19 work flow for athletic trainers is different than the pre-COVID-19 work flow.
"There's been a lot of athletic trainers who have left the profession," Wiemels noted. "Luckily, we have a full staff. Along with that came with a lot of extra stuff for athletic trainers in terms of testing, different guidelines for the NCAA and for the GMAC (Great Midwest Athletic Conference).
"Also for the county. Being in Ashland County, we have to follow the health department here, and their rules for COVID. There's a lot of moving parts, and luckily, we're almost out of it. There have been a lot of changes."
How much do Ashland University student-athletes appreciate their athletic trainers? The following is a sample:
DANIEL BEEMER, REDSHIRT JUNIOR WRESTLER – "Words can't describe the amount of appreciation I have for both of you. Thank you for being my athletic trainer and someone I can always talk to. Thank you for looking out for not only my physical health, but my mental health as well. Thank you for always having my best interest at heart. I truly wouldn't be in the spot I am today without the help of Ashley and
Mike (Lewandowski). In April, I had ACL surgery after wrestling season. We spent the entire summer, fall, and winter getting me back on the mat, ready to compete. Through your professionalism and guidance, I instilled belief and confidence throughout my recovery process. You helped pick me up on days when I was down. You made the process enjoyable through the hardest of times. The dedication and commitment I see you give to others doesn't go unnoticed. Without you, we wouldn't be the athletes and people we strive to be today.
"You were always there through all the injuries, practices, and meets. You were there to help shape my athletic and personal career. I'll forever be thankful for the commitment and guidance you have given me throughout my career here at Ashland."
BRI DOCTOR, JUNIOR WOMEN'S LACROSSE DEFENDER – "Kate is a great trainer, and she really knows what she is doing. She is so knowledgeable, and she makes sure to explain everything she does and why she recommends certain exercises or stretches. Kate sees us as more than just athletes, and she understands that we deal with things outside of our sport. Kate cares for us both physically and mentally, and she is always there for you whether it's on the field or off."
"We have also had the pleasure of being able to work with
Bryce (Jackson), who is an athletic training student working with Kate. He is always so enthusiastic to learn, and Bryce makes sure to be as involved as he can be in order to get the most out of his experience. He helps us with whatever we need if he is able to, and he has made a real effort to get to know us, just like Kate has."
LAUREN MCMILLIN, SENIOR SOFTBALL CENTERFIELDER – "Rob always puts our physical and mental health a top priority. He always goes above and beyond and will come in on his off days to do extra treatments. I've gotten to do an internship with Rob this semester and have seen how much work he puts into every athlete. I appreciate everything he has done for me throughout the years tremendously."
"For me, it just makes me happy to know that we got them back to where they're at the level where they can play again," said Wiemels. "There's a lot of late nights, trying to think of plans to help them. Helping them, seeing them every day get better and working with them to get back to the goal of playing, competing at the level that they were at before, it's very rewarding for all of us."
