January 30, 2013

Hustlin' for Haiti

This month, a few of our athletic training students participated in the Louisiana Half and Full Marathon.  However, the months of training were not only to get that medal at the end, but also to raise money for water filters in Haiti.  They used the marathon as a way to sell t-shirts titled “Hustlin’ for Haiti”.   They sold the shirts for $20 and all of the profits went directly towards providing clean water (water filters) to the people of Haiti.  As athletic trainers, hydration and clean water is an important part of our job but oftentimes we take for granted the luxury of clean water.  This fundraiser has provided an opportunity to raise awareness for the matter and save the thousands of lives that are being lost to water related illnesses.  We hope to continue raising money for this matter and would appreciate any prayer and support.  To help out you can visit hustinforhaiti.com or go like our facebook page “Hustlin’ for Haiti”. Ray Castle, our program director, and several of our athletic training students volunteered to provide medical support at the finish line and the primary medical tent area along with Baton Rouge General Medical Center nurses and physicians from the Baton Rouge General Sports Medicine Fellowship.  Congrats again marathoners!

Nuts about Nutrition

Student athletes are always on the go. Between, classes, tutors, and practice or competitions, sometimes the last thing they think about is packing a healthy lunch or snack before the run out the door in the morning. Fortunately for LSU student athletes, Jamie Mascari, LSU coordinator of sports nutrition, is dedicated to their healthy diet. Jamie is always available for one-on-one consultations and team nutrition presentations, but most of our student athletes visit her for another reason: their daily snack. Jamie's office is stocked full of tons of delicious, but more importantly, nutrtious snacks that are designed to give student athletes the fuel they need to make it through their day and their training schedules. The clear favorite of all of the snacks is Jamie's famous trail mix. She has created more than 20 orignial combinations of nuts and dried fruit that are sure to settle any hungry stomach. Jamie was recently interviewed by The Advocate discussing not only her trail mix, but also all of the different ways she helps student athletes consume the best diet they can. Jamie is one of our athletic department's greatest assest and we are so excited to see what the future will bring with all of our Tigers eating their optimal diet. The read the entire article, follow this link: http://theadvocate.com/features/food/4772388-123/eating-right-challenges-athletes

Oh Baby!

The new arrivals just keep on coming for our athletic training program! Micki Collins, associate athletic trainer with women’s basketball, gave birth to her second child on December 29th. Gianna Annmarie was born five weeks early and unexpectedly delivered at home. That's right folks. Only Micki can delivery her own baby and direct EMS on what to do next!!! She weighed 5 pounds and 6 ounces and despite her early arrival, is perfectly healthy and doing well. Gia joins older brother Granger, who is now 4 years old, to make for one busy household for Micki and her husband Ken. In addition to primarily working with the women’s basketball team, Micki is the staff athletic trainer for the women’s tennis team and men and women’s swimming and diving. Micki also serves as the clinical coordinator for the athletic training academic program and teaches several classes. She is an invaluable reasource to our students and is always available for advising, both in athletic training and in life. We all miss you Micki and look  forward to your return!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to our January Student of the Month, Meaghan Hussey!  Meaghan Hussey is currently a second year in our athletic training program and the vice president of Alpha Tau Sigma.  Last year, she worked with Track and Field/ Cross Country and is now working with our Women’s Basketball team.  Since our staff athletic trainer for basketball, Micki Collins, has been on maternity leave, Meaghan has stepped up and has done a great job filling in.  When asked about Meaghan, Micki said, “I was pleased to hear that Meaghan received student of the month honors. Never in my 12 years have I felt a student was so deserving. She was without a doubt the "MVP" of LSU women's basketball this last month. While I was pregnant and then went on maternity leave unexpectantly early, she was phenomenal. She was well beyond her years and was consummate professional. She was the constant for the team while we transitioned to a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. She provided an invaluable gift to me to be able to go be with my family without worry, which is hard to come by in our profession.” Meaghan has always and is still doing a great job and we are very proud of her.  Congrats again Meaghan!