Every March, National Athletic Training Month recognizes athletic trainers for promoting athleticism and athletic safety everywhere. Athletic trainers must have a bachelor’s in athletic training, pass a comprehensive exam, and continue their education by completing fifty continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. Ms. Morelli, the athletic trainer for Riverbend, said, “We do more than just tape. Our job includes injury prevention, injury evaluation, first response, emergency situations, rehabilitation of athletes, utilization of therapeutic modalities, education, organization, administration, and more. Also, we can work in high schools, colleges, youth sports, professional sports, industrial settings, Broadway, the circus, dance companies, and more. We are also one of the best educated professionals on concussions and care.”

Athletic trainers are health care professionals. They must stay up to date with the newest protocols, and over seventy percent have their master’s degree. Ms. Morelli said, “I see athletic training growing into more jobs, and it being a national requirement for all high schools to have one.”

At Riverbend, the physical education team believes in the advancement of health and wellness. Mr. Balog said, “With all the new technology, it’s important to show kids the value of an active lifestyle.” Riverbend’s sports medicine classes created flyers to hang around the school, including a bulletin display detailing some of the injuries that happened in the Sochi Olympics.

“All in all, I think the future is bright for athletic training and I am beyond proud to be a part of this amazing profession,” Ms. Morelli summarized.