By Jaicee Johnson
There are two certified athletic trainers (ATs) and 12 student athletic trainers at Guyer. An AT is in charge of the health care for a sports team, they supervise all sports, with football taking up a majority of their time. They oversee all aspects of health care for each athlete. Athletic trainers evaluate, treat, and rehab injuries that athletes sustain. They communicate with coaches and parents (if the athlete is a minor) what they see, what the plan is for treatment/rehab, and what the student is able to do during practice that day.
Will Rath is one of the athletic trainers at Guyer. Alongside being a team medic, Rath also teaches a sports medicine class, where students learn about bodily autonomy, injury severity and treatment. To become an AT, one must complete an undergraduate degree and a masters degree, and must also pass a board certified exam to become a certified athletic trainer. Rath graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training, both from Saint Louis University. This is his first year working at Guyer. He previously worked at the University of Missouri, Arkansas State University, and the University of North Texas.
Rath talked about why he chose to be an athletic trainer, saying, “I knew I never wanted to sit at a desk or cubicle for the rest of my life.” He’s always known that he wanted to work in the healthcare field, and has always been interested in sports, so being an athletic trainer was the best of both worlds for him. Coach Will praised the Guyer athletic training program, saying that the best part has been the people he gets to work with everyday. “I work with a lot of incredible coaches and student athletes. Our other athletic trainer is wonderful to be around as well as our team physicians.”
ATs treat every new wound that comes through the door, making sure that every person gets the proper care and treatment that they need. Athletic trainers attend every Guyer home game, and the team’s practices, keeping an eye out for any accidents that may occur. “During practices and games we watch for injuries that range from first aid, to musculoskeletal, to immediate-emergency care” Rath explained. He said that injuries are very common, football produces the most injuries, with girl’s soccer in second.
Athletic trainers do a lot on a day-to-day basis, and see about four to five new injuries every day, all ranging in severity. Coach Will stressed the importance of remaining calm during a stressful injury. If Rath becomes overwhelmed he is afraid of hesitating and potentially making the wrong decision. Rath shares this worry, saying, “There is a timeless phrase from Coach John Wooden [Famous American Basketball Coach], “be quick, but don’t hurry”. Meaning, you need to be confident and precise while you make decisions to take care of the student athlete.”The Guyer athletic training program is a great choice for students who are looking to one day have a career in sports medicine. This course offers experience to students who are preparing to go into athletic training or another healthcare related job.
