What's New
La Verne Part of Lobby Efforts in US Capitol
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) sponsored its annual Capitol Hill Day on February 23 in Washington, DC.Capitol Hill Day is designed to allow athletic trainers to meet with their elected officials and discuss issues of concern to the athletic training profession. The University of La Verne was part of this effort, as faculty members Marilyn Oliver and Kim Detwiler, along with athletic training student Katye Smith, discussed critical issues with representatives of Senator Diane Feinstein and Representative David Drier. Of particular concern are continuing efforts by the physical therapy profession to restrict athletic trainers access to patients outside of the "traditional" settings of college and high schools, with the APTA labeling athletic trainers "unqualified" to perform many of the therapy functions athletic trainers know best. To address this practice restriction, NATA is supporting ATEAM (Athletic Trainers Equal Access to Medicare), House Bill number H.R. 1137.
Professors Oliver and Detwiler Attend National Educators Conference
Professor Marilyn Oliver and Assistant Professor Kim Detwiler attended the National Athletic Training Educators Conference in Washington, DC February 20-22. The bi-annual conference brings together athletic training educators from across the country to discuss current trends in athletic training education, student learning, and professional development.
High School Workshop Draws Crowd
The Athletic Training Student Club, in conjunction with Alumna Michelle (Geiger) Okayama from Bonita High School, sponsored the first Annual High School Athletic Training Workshop on February 7. Fifty-two students and their supervisors listened to Manny Escalante, MS, ATC, CSCS speak about his experiences working at Disneyland; David Salaiz, ATC, PTA, speak about his professional journey through professional baseball and now at Casa Colina; and had hands-on opportunities with La Verne paramedics and spineboarding, as well as massage therapy with a licensed massage therapist. Following the presentations, the participants networked over pizza and then were given a tour of the La Verne campus. The workshop was well-received by the participants, and encouraged the students to consider a career in athletic training. For more photos, go to the Photo Gallery Page.
Professor Detwiler Busy Professional
Assistant Professor Kim Detwiler got her year off to a busy start with two professional meetings. January 18-20,
Detwiler was in Dallas to chair the National AthleticTrainers' Association (NATA) Young Professionals Committee meeting.
The Young Professionals Committee (YPC) is charged with involving younger members of NATA in the governance
and strategic planning of the Association. La Verne Alumna Raechel Cunningham is also part of the YPC.
A few days after the YPC Meeting, (January 23-25), Detwiler was part of the NATA Strategic Implementation Team meeting,
also in Dallas. This Committee is charged with carrying out the initiatives stated in the latest NATA Strategic Plan. Professor Detwiler,
in only her second year at the University of La Verne, has been repeatedly commended for her involvementin the national governance structure of the NATA.
Holiday Gathering
Prior to the Winter Break, the faculty, staff, and students in the ATEP gathered for food, fun, and service. In addition to lunch, everyone enjoyed playing Rock Band and participating in a "white elephant" gift exchange. The students also took up a collection to support the "Shoes that Fit" charity, and were able to present the group with a gift card worth $40.
High School Students Experience ATEP
Seven Valencia High School Athletic Training students, under the direction of Joe Monteleone, visited the University of La Verne campus and were given a brief overview of the Athletic Training Education Program. The morning began with a visit to a class, followed by a campus tour, a tour of the Athletic Training Room, and lunch with Program Director Marilyn Oliver and several students. The ATEP encourages visits by prospective students interested in pursuing a career in athletic training.
Board of Trustees Given ATEP Update
Athletic Training Education Program Director Marilyn Oliver and junior student Katye Smith were invited to the October meeting of the University of La Verne Board of Trustees to give an update on the ATEP. Oliver gave an overview of the recent accomplishments of the program, including the awarding of the Bill Cramer Professional Service Award, student involvement in District and National meetings of the NATA, the Bailey-Arnheim Games, Community Fun Run, and Highway Cleaning, and accomplishments of recent alumni. Smith spoke of her experiences as a student and how being in the program has benefited her. President Stephen Morgan commended Oliver on her 30 years of service to the University, and on the benefits the ATEP brings to the University and community in thanking her and Smith for their presentations.
Julie Max Shares Leadership Hints With ATEP Students
University of La Verne athletic training students had a special opportunity to share time with Julie Max, Head Athletic Trainer at Cal State Fullerton. Max is an NATA Hall of Fame member and former NATA President who was the first female elected to that position. She spent over an hour speaking to the students and sharing her thought on leadership and the profession, after which she shared more thought with several students and ATEP faculty and staff at lunch. The visit was arranged by Director of Athletic Training services Joanna Engel, who served as a Graduate Assistant under Max at CSUF.
Fun Run Draws Crowd
The Athletic Training Student Club (ATSC) once again sponsored the Annual Community Fun Run in conjunction with the University of La Verne Homecoming weekend. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students, turned out for the event that raises funds for student professional travel and conference attendance expenses. Alums Michael Riggs and Kari (Pucci) Redman captured top honors as top male and female finishers. For more photos, click on the "Photo Gallery" web page
Marilyn Oliver to be Honored
On October 4, Marilyn Oliver, MS, ATC, will be honored by the Athletics Department and Movement and Sports Science Department on the 30th anniversary of her hiring as the first athletic trainer at the University of La Verne.
In October of 1978, Marilyn Oliver started a long tradition of athletic training excellence with her hiring as the first Certified Athletic Trainer at the University of La Verne (then La Verne College). She was one of the early Certified Athletic Trainers in California, and one of the first female collegiate head athletic trainers in the country. Since then, "MO" has tended to the sports injury needs of literally hundreds of Leopard student-athletes before assuming the role of Athletic Training Education Program Director in 1999, guiding the program to nationally Accredited status and beginning a new tradition of excellence in athletic training education. Many of her athletic training students have gone on to careers in athletic training and health care themselves.
Marilyn will be acknowledged with a BBQ lunch in Sneaky Park from 11am - 12:45, and a half-time presentation during the Leopards football game with the University of Redlands.
For a gallery of photos of Marilyn through the years, go to the Photo Galleries page.
Community Fun Run
The Athletic Training Student Club will be sponsoring the annual Community Fun Run to promote Athletic Training to the community as well as raise funds for student professional travel and conferences. The event will be held on October 18 in conjunction with the University of La Verne Homecoming weekend, beginning at 8am. For further information, download the entry form below, and/or contact Paul Alvarez, Race Director, at alvarezp@ulv.edu, or (909) 593-3511, x4259.
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La Verne Well-Represented at NATA Convention
At the recent National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia held in St. Louis, MO, La Verne faculty, staff, alumni, and students were evident throughout the week. La Verne Junior Katye Smith was present to represent the Far West Athletic Trainers' Association (FWATA) as a representative to the National Athletic Training Student Committee, and to receive the Bill Cramer Award on behalf of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Recent grad Bobby Ruiz (class of 2008) participated in the Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) Career Day as a mentor to local middle school students. Alumna Raechel Cunningham represented the FWATA on the Young Professionals Committee, which is chaired at the national level by current Assistant Professor Kim Detwiler. Detwiler was probably the busiest of all, as she chaired the Young Professionals Committee meeting, coordinated the special activities for the young professional members all week, was hailed as a outstanding member by outgoing NATA President Chuck Kimmel in his final speech to the entire membership, and also picked up the "Above and Beyond" award for her part in organizing a grass-roots recognition campaign for athletic training. Professor Paul Alvarez was active with the EDAC as well, representing the FWATA to the national committee meeting, participated in Career Day as a coordinator and mentor, and assisted in the EDAC Town Hall meeting for the ethnically diverse membership of NATA. Alumna Kira Au was named liasion to the North American Booser Club Association during the meeting. Assistant Athletic Trainer Josh Davis was present for the week, along with additional alumni Robert Simmons, Erin Johnson, and Nate Swift, while former Head Athletic Trainer Jim May was present as part of the Convention Committee.
For more photos from the Convention, check out the Photo Gallery page!
Professor Detwiler Earns National Recognition
Professor Kim Detwiler was honored at National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia with the "Above and Beyond" Award presented by the College and University Athletic Trainers Committee. The award was given in recognition of Detwiler's efforts while a graduate student at the University of Oregon to gain support for legal recognition of Athletic Training in the State of Oregon through a grass-roots postcard campaign.
Alum Kira Au Named Liasion to Booster Association
During the NATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia, the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) announced that La Verne alumna Kira Au would become the first athletic trainer invited to serve on its national advisory council. NABCA President Steve Belden said Au's involvement and the relationship with NATA would benefit young athletes. Au, a 2001 graduate of the La Verne ATEP, is currently the Head Athletic Trainer at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente.
Bill Cramer Award Presented at NATA Meeting
Junior Katye Smith and ATEP Faculty Paul Alvarez receive the inaugural Bill Cramer Professional Development Award on behalf of the La Verne ATEP. The award was presented by Ed Christman, Vice-President for Marketing, and Tom Rogge, President of Cramer Products. See the note below for more information on this outstanding accomplishment.
ATEP Granted Inagural Bill Cramer Professional Development Award
The University of La Verne Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) was honored as the inaugural winner of the Bill Cramer Professional Development Award. The award is named in honor of Charles William (Bill) Cramer, a legend in the world of athletic training, who died last June at the age of 86. At the time of his death, Bill was the chairman of the board of Cramer Products, Inc., and was the son of Cramer Products co-founder Chuck Cramer.
The La Verne ATEP was selected from a pool of applicants from across the nation, and was commended for the number of graduates who are working in the sports medicine field, the number of student scholarship winners, and the number of service projects undertaken by the current program students. The ATEP will receive a grant of $2,000 to support student professional development through attendance at the National and District Conventions of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). The award will be presented during the 2008 NATA Convention in St. Louis, MO.
A copy of the award letter can be downloaded by clicking the link.
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Katye Smith named Chair of FWATA Athletic Training Student Committee
ULV Sophomore Katye Smith has been named the Chair of the Far West Athletic Trainers' Association Athletic Training Student Committee (ATSC). The ATSC is a new committee formed under the "Involve & Evolve!" initiative to develop stronger professional commitment from students and young professionals. Smith will represent the FWATA to the National ATSC and begins her duties at the NATA Annual Meeting in St. Louis.
Ashly Gillis recieves Academic Award in Athletic Training
Junior Ashly Gillis was recently selected by the MSS Department as one of two recipients of the Departmental Academic Award for Athletic Training. The award is granted for strong academic achievement and service to the department and University.
Bobby Ruiz recieves Academic Award in Athletic Training
Senior Bobby Ruiz was recently selected by the MSS Department as one of two recipients of the Departmental Academic Award for Athletic Training. The award is granted for strong academic achievement and service to the department and University.
La Verne Presents Well at FWATA
A large contingent of La Verne Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni gathered at the 2008 Far West Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting in Burlingame April 4-6. Shown here are students Danielle May, Chris Duarte-McDermott, Ashley Bruley, Jennifer Crabbe, Ana Kaviani, Ashly Gillis, Anthony Valenzuela, Amanda Seibert, Travis Jones, Katye Smith, Ricky Huerta, Katrina McCoy, Bobby Ruiz, Jasper Chang, and Mayra Morales, faculty and staff Marilyn Oliver, Joanna Engel, Paul Alvarez, Kim Detwiler, and Amanda Snyder; and alumni Theresa Reyes, Kira Au, Adriana Ramirez, Stephanie Dryer, and Raechel Cunningham.
For more photos from Burlingame, check out the Photo Gallery page.
La Verne Seniors Present at FWATA
Seniors Bobby Ruiz, Katrina McCoy, and Ricky Huerta presented "Muscle Energy Techniques" during the Student Session at the 2008 Far West Athletic Trainers' Association Meeting in Burlingame, CA April 4-6.
La Verne Juniors Present at FWATA
Juniors Ashley Bruley, Chris Duarte-McDermott, and Jennifer Crabbe presented "LASER Therapy" during the Student Session at the 2008 Far West Athletic Trainers' Association Meeting in Burlingame, CA April 4-6.
AT Students Get Highway Recognition
The Athletic Training Student Club is now recognized for their efforts with the Adopt-a-Highway program with their own official sign! The sign, seen to the left with club members, is located on the westbound side of the 210 Freeway in La Verne, just after the Fruit Street Exit.
Ruiz and Crabbe Share Award
Senior Roberto (Bobby) Ruiz and Junior Jenn Crabbe have been granted the "Above and Beyond" award for 2008. The award was the result of efforts by La Verne alum Ben Torres, ATC, and is sponsored by a generous grant from the Casa Colina Centers for Rehabiliation. Awardees are selected by the ATEP faculty and staff in recognition of efforts "Above and Beyond" in classroom performance, clinical experience, and professional activities. The award pays for the registration, travel, room, and meals for two La Verne students to attend both the Far West Athletic Trainers Association (FWATA) Annual Meeting, as well as the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Annual Meeting. This year, the FWATA meeting will be in Burlingame, California, while the NATA meeting will be in St. Louis, Missouri.
La Verne Captures Bailey-Arnheim Games Team Title
Members of the La Verne Athletic Training Student Club prevailed over six other programs in capturing the team title at the Second Annual Bailey-Arnheim Games. Under the direction of Club Advisor Josh Davis, La Verne students Jen Crabbe, Ashley Gillis, Jasper Chang, Monique Chambers, Ashley Bruley, Anthony Valenzuela, Ana Kahviani, Travis Jones, Danielle May, Ricky Huerta, Bobby Ruiz, Mayra Morales, and Chris Duarte-McDermott, competed in tests of athletic training skill and knowledge in friendly rivalry and spirited competition.
Professor Alvarez involved in EDAC
Paul Alvarez, PhD, ATC, spent a weekend in March at the mid-year meeting of the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) in St. Louis, Missouri. Efforts to improve the ethnic diversity of the Athletic Training Profession were discussed, and plans made for the NATA Annual Meeting in St. Louis in June. Alvarez represents the Far West Athletic Trainers' Association as one of 10 district representatives on the EDAC.
Professor Detwiler part of "Hit the Hill" effort
Kim Detwiler, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, was part of a group of Certified Athletic Trainers and Athletic Training Students who participated in "Hit the Hill Day" in Washington, DC. The annual NATA-sponsored event in February featured opportunities for members to meet collectively and with their elected legislative representatives to discuss issues of importance to Athletic Trainers, including practice protection acts and legal recognition.
Hall of Fame Members Chambers and Crowl visit
NATA and FWATA Hall of Fame members Bill Chambers and Lew Crowl recently visited with ATEP students and shared their experiences and thoughts on the athletic training profession. Afterwards, Chambers and Crowl visited the newly renovated Athletic Training Room where they observed students in the clinical setting. AT Student Ashley Gillis works on a student-athlete as Crowl, Chambers, fellow student Bobby Ruiz, and Director of Athletic Training Services Joanna Engle look on.
ATSC Receives National Attention
The Athletic Training Student Club was commended with a full-page article in the February '08 edition of the NATA News for their recent service activities, including Adopt-a-Highway and the Homecoming Fun Run. The Homecoming Fun Run provides an entertaining and energetic way for La Verne Alumni and friends to get Homecoming started, and serves as a fundraiser for the club. The Adopt-a-Highway program allows the students to further the mission of La Verne by taking part in cleaning up the environment.
Professor Detwiler named Chair of new NATA Committee
Kim Detwiler, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, was recently appointed as Chair of the newly formed Young Professionals' Committee of the NATA. The Young Professionals Committee is charged with creating and proposing initiatives to engage younger Certified Athletic Trainers in the professional activities of the NATA. Her term will begin July, 2008.
