Tiger Talk

LSU Sports Nutrition Accomplishing Great Things

2012-02-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

No matter what time of year it is, there is one person in the LSU Athletic Training family who never has an offseason. Jamie Mascari, LSU coordinator of sports nutrition, is constantly on the go working with our athletes and improving their overall health and well-being. With all the hard work she has put in, it is no surprise that Jamie has been named this year’s “Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year”. Although only with LSU for a few months now, Jamie already has made huge changes in the athletes’ diets and their views on food. Jamie is available almost 24/7 to have one-on-one consultations and team presentations. She will even tag along on shopping trips to make sure the athletes are implementing what they have been taught in their grocery selections. Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC, Staff Certified Athletic Trainer for LSU Football and Director of Wellness said, “We are so honored to have Jamie on our staff. Being named as "Recognized Young Dietician of Baton Rouge" is a tremendous honor for an individual so early in her career. However, she has been working with us for long enough to have made a very big impact on our athletic teams as well as on individuals in our programs. She communicates well, is enthusiastic and is innovative in her approach to educating our athletes. She may be an asset to Baton Rouge, but she is a bigger asset to LSU's Athletic Department.” The LSU Athletic Training family is extremely grateful for Jamie and very proud of all of her accomplishments. Great job Jamie and keep up the good work!

To view Jamie’s interview with the Reveille on the importance of diet in LSU’s athletes visit:

http://www.lsureveille.com/sports/diet-plays-important-role-in-lsu-athletes-health-well-being-1.2690438

LSU Alumni Plays Major Role in Life Saving Event

2012-02-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

Gage Trahan graduated from LSU's Athletic Training Program in December, 2006, and moved to Pineville, La. He attended graduate school at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, and was involved in a Graduate Assistantship program through a local hospital doing outreach for several rural high schools. He began working at Pineville High School full time in August of 2008, and earned his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration in May 2009. He is currently in his second year of teaching health and sports medicine at Pineville High School and in his fourth year as Head Athletic Trainer. On December 12, at a basketball between Nachitoches Central and Pineville, 15 year old calvin Haynes collapsed with cardiac arrhythmia. His heart stopped for several minutes and he was unconscious for 30 minutes. When asked about the importance of having an athletic trainer present in secondary schools, he replied, “No matter the level of competition, a crisis like this can occur at any moment in sports. The young man who collapsed was an otherwise healthy high school freshman. This near tragedy could not have been anticipated. A registered nurse happened to be at the game to watch her daughter play in a game that was to follow the boys’ basketball game. She was instrumental in saving this young man’s life, but an athlete’s safety cannot rest on the chance that a medical professional will be in the stands. It is vital that a Certified Athletic Trainer is on campus during sports practices and games. This need cannot be overstated.” Louisiana is one state that has not yet had to resort to pay-for-play athletics programs at the high school level, where athletics user fees have been the norm for high school administrators, coaches, parents and students. When asked how LSU influenced his reaction to an emergency such as this one, he responded, “As a college student, I did not understand the importance of going through the CPR/AED training over and over before two-a-days began each summer. I am so glad now that the outstanding staff of Athletic Trainers at LSU thoroughly prepared me and the other athletic training students for any situation that we might face on the playing field or court. The last thing I expected at a freshman basketball game on a Monday afternoon in December was for this young man’s heart to cease functioning. When the unthinkable happened, though, I was ready to act quickly and effectively because of my LSU training.”

Alpha Tau Sigma Sets Date for Annual Spring High School Symposium

2012-02-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Alpha Tau Sigma, LSU Athletic Training Fraternity has announced its date for its 8th Annual Spring Symposium held each year for high school students interested in the Allied Health profession of Athletic Training. The symposium will be held on Saturday, March 24 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM and will feature the following activities:

Anatomy Lessons with a Palpation Lab
Vital Sign Collection
Spine Boarding
Splinting
Upper and Lower Extremity Theraband Lesson and Lab
Upper and Lower Extremity Taping Labs
Lunch and refreshments will also be provided

If you, or anybody you know has a sincere interest in becoming an Athletic Trainer or simply would like to learn from the Certified Athletic Trainers and Athletic Training Students of LSU, visit Alpha Tau Sigma's Symposium Website here. It will be a great opportunity to get to know LSU's Athletic Training Program, as well as enjoy a full day of hands-on activities and education.

Below are some pictures of last year's Annual Spring High School Symposium featuring some of the activities that high school students may participate in:

BCS National Championship Bowl 2012

2012-02-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Athletic Training Football Staff for the 2011-2012 football season did not have to travel far for their bowl experience, but that did not stop them from having a good time. New Orleans was a great setting for the BCS Championship game. After days of hard work at practice the student athletic trainers got to enjoy nights of bowling, ice skating, and just wandering around the French Quarter. Needless to say, it was an experience these students will never forget.

Student of the Month

2012-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Ben Morale, LSU’s Athletic Training Student of the Month for February! Ben is a first year student currently working with the LSU Volleyball team. When asked about Ben, Scott Campbell, ATC, Certified Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for LSU Volleyball said, “ Ben has been a welcomed addition to the LSU volleyball sports medicine staff. He has done a great job with specific rehabs and interacts well with the coaches and athletes. He has a quiet demeanor, but gets the job done! He will continue to make strides as an athletic training student.” Congratulations Ben!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

It’s the most wonderful time of year! School is almost over, the temperatures are getting colder, and many good times are right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than with the annual Athletic Training Holiday party? This year the party was hosted by the Marucci’s and as always did not disappoint. The afternoon was filled with delicious food, good company, and of course an entertaining game of White Elephant. The menu consisted of turkey, ham, pasta salad, chili, dressing, cake balls, cookies, peppermint bark, and much more. Gifts ranged from anything and everything. Gift cards, a Backstreet Boys cd, Taco Bell hot sauce, candy, and sidewalk chalk, just to name a few, made White Elephant the special, entertaining event it always is.

From the LSU Athletic Training family, we wish you a Happy Holiday and very Happy, Healthy New Year!

Dr. Anthony Petraglia, MD on Management for Sports Concussions

2011-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

On November 11th, the LSU Athletic Training Program, with the help of Dr. Burnham, MD, LSU Head Team Physician, welcomed Dr. Anthony Petraglia, MD to discuss the current research and science related to the proper management for sports concussions. Dr. Petraglia graduated from the University of Chicago in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2007. Dr. Petraglia is the first neurosurgery resident to complete a Neurological Sports Medicine Fellowship and was the McNair Neurosurgical Sports Medicine Fellow in Houston, Texas. He is currently completing his Neurological Surgery training at the University of Rochester. Dr. Petraglia has worked under Dr. Julian Bailes, who has done extensive work on preventative treatment of concussions and the role of DHA/Omega 3. He has worked as a team physician for several collegiate and high school teams and has also helped establish a concussion clinic in the greater Rochester area.

Dr. Petraglia’s guest lecture not only defined concussions and the standard treatment, but it also featured prevention and up and coming research. His presentation included videos of athletes, from peewee football to high profile collegiate athletes and their concussion experiences. When asked about Dr. Petraglia and his presentation, clinical instructor, Melissa Thompson, PhD, Med, ATC, PES, said, “He provided a great summary of the most recent and relevant concussion research and its application to practitioners. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about concussions, but there is also a growing body of research evidence out there that EVERY medical professional who works with concussed individuals should know about AND USE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE.” The information Dr. Petraglia presented was very new and inventive and unique to any other concussion material the program has been presented with before. Second year athletic training student, Caitlin McKinley said, “He had such a new, fresh insight about concussions. Instead of the usual let's assess the concussion, he taught us what was physiologically going on inside the body and brain. His video's showed different levels of how a concussion can affect a person mentally. I think he did a fabulous job and really helped us learn more in depth information about concussions.” The LSU Athletic Training Staff and students feel fortunate to have had access to someone like Dr. Petraglia who is an expert and involved in cutting edge research that will help us all understand the intricacies of the brain and its response to concussions and traumatic brain injury. We thank him for his time and interest in our program at LSU.

Thanksgiving with the Tigers

2011-12-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

LSU’s Thanksgiving with the Tigers is the school’s annual holiday event sponsored by LSU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athlete Affairs. LSU Athletic Training Students were given the opportunity to adopt an eleven-year old girl through St. Vincent de Paul for the holiday season. As a group, the Athletic Training program donated over $450 dollars. Athletic Training students went on a major shopping spree through Target in search for the perfect holiday gifts. Some of the gifts included a winter coat, a scooter, body spray and lotion, a volleyball, bedding, and bedroom accessories. On November 14, a special dinner and gift presentation was held in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Jared Muth, Alpha Tau Sigma President, said, “This is what the holidays are about. Giving back and being thankful for what we have. It was a lot of fun helping out and making the holiday season special for this girl.” Thanks to all who donated money and time to help make this child’s holiday season one to remember!

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-12-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

The LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month is Courtney Melanson. Courtney is a third year athletic training student with the LSU Lady Tiger Basketball team. She has previously worked with LSU Football and U-HIGH. “Courtney has been a big addition to our Women's Basketball Athletic Training Staff. She has really taken on a tremendous amount of responsibility especially with a difficult knee rehabilitation, said Micki Collins, MS, ATC. She is a great mentor to pre-professional students and to other athletic training students. She is very loyal and honest. She always has a positive attitude.” Courtney is a great asset to the Athletic Training program with her strong work ethic and dedication to her athletes. Congratulations Courtney!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

On October 28th, Athletic Training Students put on their best costumes and helped out with the annual BOOzar event. This free trick-or-treat event is sponsored by the LSU Athletic Department and designed to provide children with a safe Halloween. The BOOzar is held in the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse and consists of games, trick-or-treating, and autographs. The Athletic Training station’s game was wrapping the children up like mummies with stretch tape. Thanks to all of the Athletic Training Students who participated to help make this event a success!

Congratulations to Nick Badeaux, 2011 Recipient of the Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award

2011-11-08T06:31:00.002-08:00

Nick Badeaux, 3rd year Athletic Training Student, was nominated as this year’s recipient of the Acadian Ambulance Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award. The award was presented to Nick during the LSU vs. Auburn on Saturday October 22nd.

The recipient of the Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award is chosen by the Staff of Athletic Trainers at Football. This outstanding Football Athletic Training Student possesses a strong work ethic and continues to excel in the field of Athletic Training regardless of obstacles. Prior to working LSU Football, Nick’s sport rotations have included Swimming and Diving and Track and Field and Cross Country. “Nick Badeaux is the well deserving recipient of the 2011 Adam Sturlese Acadian Ambulance Award. Nick has continued to prove to the staff and graduate assistants at football that he is worthy of the responsibility that he has been given at the start this season”, says Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer for Football. “Having already been identified as an “Athletic Training Student of the Month” this academic year, choosing Nick for the Sturlese Award was easy. He leads by example and I believe our younger student athletic trainers model his diligence and attention to detail. What this has created amongst the group of students is a culture of effort, teamwork and responsibility for one’s actions. He understands that his work is a reflection of who he is as a person and we know that we can count on him to get the job done. He has recently been given administrative responsibilities that would be hard for most to manage, but again, Nick has excelled in this area as well. It is clear to us that Nick Badeaux will represent our Athletic Training Program well in the future and we are so happy to be able to honor him in this way.”

Cutting Edge Advantage

2011-11-08T06:30:00.001-08:00

Dr. Melissa Thompson Ph.D., ATC along with two other professors in the Kinesiology department, Dr. Hargroder and Dr. Landin, oversee a small branch of the Kinesiology department not common to undergraduate programs. In the LSU Veterinary School, there are two classes offered to undergraduate students to further their anatomy knowledge. Once a student has completed KIN 2500, human anatomy, they are offered the opportunity to take the 3519, cadaver prosection, or 4519, cadaver dissection. Each athletic training student is enrolled in the cadaver prosection class. Madeleine Scaramuzzo says, “the cadaver dissection course has helped expand my knowledge of human anatomy, and will greatly improve my ability to visualize structures and identify injuries in the future.” Dr. Hargroder said, “The experience gives undergraduate students an upper hand when they continue their education in graduate programs because they are able to identify parts of the body more quickly and easily than other students who weren't offered the advantage of participating in a cadaver lab.” Seeing the body first hand is a completely different experience than learning it in a textbook. Third year student, Raymond Champagne, who took the prosection course his second year in the program says, “The cadaver lab has been a very beneficial class and has contributed to my overall knowledge of the human body. Having an opportunity to be a part of this class has given me the upper hand over many other athletic training students in the state.“

For further information please visit: http://www.lsureveille.com/news/cadaver-lab-sets-university-apart-1.2647276#.TrlWfq7UrI

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-11-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Devon Bowie, LSU’s Athletic Training Student of the Month for November! Devon is a first year Athletic Training Student currently working with Track and Field and Cross Country. Devon’s hard work and enthusiasm has not only impacted Track and Field and Cross Country tremendously, but the entire Athletic Training Room as well. When asked about Devon, Keith Thompson, MS, ATC, said, “I am very excited to have Devon as one of our athletic training students. I had the opportunity to teach and work with Devon when he was in the pre-professional phase and realized that he was the type of individual that would represent our program proudly. Since entering our program Devon has demonstrated a great attitude, an eagerness to learn, and a strong work ethic.”

PES Certification

2011-10-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

This summer, under the instruction of Dr. Melissa Thompson, numerous ATCs and ATSs took a course for the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist certification. Melissa Sorrells, head athletic trainer at University Laboratory School, says “This course/certification has proven to be very valuable to me as an athletic trainer. Working at the high school level, my job duties entail more than just traditional athletic training. This course has allowed me to utilize my skills at a high level in many different areas while continuing to provide excellent quality of care to our student athletes.” An elite training program for fitness and enhanced athletic performance, the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist is designed for athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, coaches and other sports professionals who want to work with players at all levels, from the secondary education and university tier, to professional and Olympic level athletes. The PES offers professionals the ability to learn cutting-edge performance assessment techniques, sport-specific program design, scientifically-valid, evidence-based applications which achieve remarkable results with top professionals and weekend warriors alike, human movement science, postural considerations, the elements of an integrated performance profile and assessment, integrated program design, and nutrition. Many of our graduate assistant ATCs also participated in the course including: Erin Greenwich, Scott Campbell, Dalis Boyette and Jessica Barton. Barton, Graduate Assistant assigned to Men’s Tennis says, “The process of acquiring my PES certification helped me mature as a Certified Athletic Trainer through exposure to aspects of athletic performance outside of the conventional healthcare field. It allowed us to look at athletic performance from a new perspective and study advanced concepts that have become invaluable as we strive to help athletes reach their full potential." Courtney Melanson, Camille Bordelon, Madeleine Scaramuzzo, Emily Mesa and John McLaughlin were among some of the students who participated in the course and are now certified. John McLaughlin, second year ATS assigned to Football, says, “The PES class was very helpful in regards to rehabilitation. I have used numerous exercises from the class in rehabs for athletes.”

New Athletic Training Facilities

2011-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, when LSU's sports' seasons all begin to take off. This year, LSU Athletic Training has built new Volleyball and Softball athletic training rooms. These new additions have made the start of the season not only more efficient but more benefical to the student-athletes and their overall health.

The Volleyball Athletic Training Room, located in the southwest corridor of the PMAC, is home to the LSU Volleyball team. It is used for daily treatments and rehabilitations. When asked about this new addition, current Volleyball GA Scott Campbell, ATC said, "The Athletic Departments continued contributions and devotion to the Volleyball Athletic Training Room will help with the recruiting, convenience, and health of current and future LSU Volleyball athletes." This facility is equipped with treatment tables, rehabilitation equipment, and cardiovascular equipment.

LSU's Softball Athletic Training Room is the newest addition to Tiger Park Stadium. Staff Athletic Trainer, Ana Couture, MS, ATC, said," I am so pleased with the Athletic Department's support in building the new Softball Athletic Training Room. It means a lot to the program and it will help both in the recruiting process and elevating the standard care for our female student athletes." This facility over 1000 square feet and is fully equipped with treatment tables, therapeutic modalities, whirlpools, rehabilitation stations, and cardiovascular equipment.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-10-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Meaghan Hussey, this month’s Student of the Month! Meaghan is a first year Athletic Training Student. She is currently working with Track & Field and Cross Country under staff Certified Athletic Trainer Keith Thompson, MS, ATC. Meaghan has impressed the Athletic Training Staff and Graduate Assistants with her eagerness and dedication both in the classroom and clinically. When asked about Meaghan, Keith Thompson, MS, ATC, stated, “Meaghan is a great addition to our program. Although she is a first year student, Meaghan has demonstrated the poise and dedication of our most experienced students. Meaghan has been eager to learn and committed to assisting our track & field and cross country student-athletes. She also brings a positive attitude to the classroom and clinical setting, which I believe, will help make her a successful athletic training student.”

Scholarship Recipients

2011-10-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

LSU Athletic Training is proud to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2011-2012 school year:

Academic Achievement
Madeleine Scaramuzzo
This award is given to the Athletic Training Student with the highest GPA at the end of the prior Spring semester.

Doc Broussard Athletic Training Student of the Year
Raymond Champagne
This athletic training student shows exemplary performance in the classroom and in the athletic training room. Their qualities will help propel them into leadership roles in the athletic training profession. They should serve as role models for not only the athletic training students in the program but the pre-professional students aspiring to become athletic trainers.

Come Back Kid Award
Jared Williams
This athletic training student played an integral role in the treatment and rehabilitation and recovery of a student-athlete's injury. This person has become an part of the creation and implementation of the rehabilitation protocol. The injury sustained should have been season ending or season altering for the student-athlete.

Special Assistance Fund
Caitlin McKinley
This student has shown unusual financial hardship as a result of their involvement in the athletic training profession. They may have an unusual financial situation that requires them to hold a job to supplement their finances, find their own collegiate experience as well as other reasons why they may need financial assistance.

Tiger Cub Award
Tamaria Hollis
This scholarship is given to the Pre-Professional Athletic Training Student with the highest binding scores during the application process into the Athletic Training Education Program. They have poise and maturity and have left the staff with the confidence that they will continue to represent our program with dignity and class.

For more information on these students and scholarships, visit: http://lsuats.blogspot.com/

Welcome Back!

2011-08-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

On July 28th, thirty-two athletic training students, ten graduate assistants, and nine staff members reported to Football Operations for the annual orientation meetings. Orientation precedes the start of football two-a-days and serves as an introduction for the newly selected first year students and a refresher for the returning students. As always, orientation began with Jack Marucci leading the way with the introductions and fun facts. Topics covered during orientation included CPR and First Aid, modalities in-service, demo spine boarding, emergency management planning, heat illness, and concussions.

A new addition to this year’s orientation was an athletic trainer bonding evening. The evening was hosted by the Alpha Tau Sigma officers and held at Broussard Athletic Training Center. Athletic training students enjoyed Jimmy John’s catering and participated in the ultimate trivia game. Trivia consisted of six categories: Sports, Louisiana History, Quotes, Music, Who am I, and Random. In order to determine a winner, the Hamster Ninjas, Hivamat Homies, and Mutt Cutts competed in tiebreaker challenges. The Hivamat Homies and Mutt Cutts competed in the “Chubby Bunny” event to decide who would move on to face the Hamster Ninjas for the championship. After two rounds of “Chubby Bunny”, the Hivamat Homies succeeded and moved on for the final round. To determine the champion, one participant from each team, with their hands taped behind their backs, had to eat a bowl of pudding within two minutes. In just one minute and eleven seconds, the Hamster Ninjas were victorious and crowned trivia champions

A New Addition to LSU

2011-08-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

The LSU Athletic Department is proud to welcome a new member to its team, Jamie Mascari, RD. Jamie is a native of New Orleans who completed her undergraduate studies in Dietetics here at LSU. She has taken on the position as the Graduate Assistant Registered Dietitian for LSU Athletics. Jamie will be working towards a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology. The LSU Athletic Training Department is looking forward to working closely with Jamie to improve our athletes' health. Jamie graciously sat down with us for a quick interview.

Upon graduating from LSU, you received an internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), what did you gain from that experience?
As tough as it was to leave LSU, completing my dietetic internship in Arkansas was probably one of the best decisions I have made. This particular internship was a jointly sponsored program by the College of Health Related Professions at UAMS and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. During my year there, I had the opportunity to experience a wide variety of dietetic-related practices including: hospital in-patient care, out-patient clinics, pediatric nutrition, community and public health programs, nutrition research, corporate wellness, school food service, fitness centers, and the food industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of topics offered to me and the chance to learn from numerous, respectable registered dietitians (RD) in the Little Rock area. Each rotation lasted 1-3 weeks, which challenged me to be able to quickly learn and adapt to each RD and their different ways of practice. Another great opportunity of mine was working with our country’s Veterans at the Little Rock Veteran Affairs hospital. Caring for their nutritional needs and getting to know them and their stories truly was an amazing experience.
In addition to my practical experience, I also completed 12 hours of graduate level coursework. Classes consisted of various topics such as Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutrition Counseling, and Nutrition Research.

Why did you choose to return to LSU after you internship?
Even though my experience in Little Rock was a great one, I wanted to narrow my dietetic focus and practice to Sport Nutrition for athletes. After much research about the role of Sport RDs and reputable advice from New Orleans Saints registered dietitian (and LSU alum) Tavis Piatolly, I decided that a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology would be the perfect combination with my nutrition background. LSU graduate school was my one and only choice; there was no other place I wanted to be. One year away from my Tigers was hard enough! I was accepted to the Exercise Physiology Master’s program in LSU’s Kinesiology department and began my graduate studies fall of 2010. Over the past year, I have been able to successfully apply my nutrition knowledge to many new concepts of sports and exercise. It has been a gratifying learning experience with inspiring professors and enthusiastic classmates. I am certainly looking forward to my final semester in the program.

What do you hope to bring to the LSU Athletic Department?
Many college and university athletic departments are taking advantage of registered dietitians’ valuable guidance and practical nutrition recommendations for their athletes and using them to build prominent sport nutrition programs. According to the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association, dozens of major college and professional teams have rebuilt the infrastructure of their support service systems by placing sports dietitians among their staff. The registered dietitian works closely with the athletes and promotes nutrition as an essential component in performance as well as overall health. In addition to attending to the athletes’ nutritional needs, the registered dietitian works in conjunction with the team coaches, medical staff, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning staff, and administrators in order to ensure all athletes a comprehensive team of professionals who can assist in maximizing their athletic abilities.
Here at LSU, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer, Shelly Mullenix, has developed a successful wellness program that has helped meet the needs of the student athletes academically, physically, and psychologically. Furthermore, the nutrition component of the wellness program has benefitted many of the LSU sport teams and individual athletes, but it still has the potential of growing into a top university sport nutrition program. Accordingly, as a registered dietitian, I feel as though I am a valuable addition to the nutrition section of the wellness program and an integral member of LSU’s sport medicine team of professionals.
Sport nutrition has grown tremendously over the past decade and undoubtedly has shown to have a positive effect on athletes’ performance potential. Most collegiate athletes understand their food choices and dietary habits ultimately influence their body composition, overall health, and in particular, their athletic performance. However, many of these student athletes arrive to college with limited nutrition knowledge and several misconceptions concerning diet and performance. In addition, the lifestyle of a college athlete creates many challenges in meeting the nutritional demands their body requires. With a RD on staff, LSU student athletes have the opportunity to receive nutrition counseling and education that are tailored to the needs and lifestyle of the individual.

What do you hope to gain from working with the LSU Athletic Department?
I have come to realize that once I graduate from my Master’s program, my learning will continue on forever. Athletics is a fast-paced, ever-changing job that requires keeping up with the most current nutritional research and recommendations on a daily basis. I am looking forward to working closely with the sports medicine team and strength staff. These professionals possess a breadth of invaluable experience working with athletes, and I hope to learn as much as possible from them.
Furthermore, the leadership of the team coaches and administrators, expertise of the medical staff, knowledge and experience of the certified athletic trainers, and skill of the strength and conditioning staff already play a key role in the continual success of the LSU athletic program. I hope that as the new registered dietitian for LSU athletics, I can establish not only the value of sport nutrition at LSU but also a top sport nutrition program in collegiate athletics.

How has your past experiences with LSU Athletics helped you in your new position?
As a former LSU cheerleader, I had the chance to meet and cheer for some of LSU's greatest sport teams (including the 2007 football National Champions and 2006 Men’s Final Four basketball team), as well as get to know several members of the coaching and athletic staff. It was through my four years of cheering at LSU that helped me realize that proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance- on and off the field. Cheerleading itself is a highly demanding athletic activity, consisting of team practices, workouts, cheering at LSU sporting events, promotional appearances, and national competitions. The positive effect of appropriate dietary habits on my personal skills, strength, and health made me a true advocate to sport nutrition for all athletes. In addition, I was able to see and experience first-hand the lifestyle of student athletes, who are always on-the-go and rarely have time to sit and enjoy wholesome, homemade meals. I recognized the need for consistent nutrition education that includes practical advice that fits the athletes’ sports, schedules, and individual needs.
Lastly, but certainly not any less important than the topics above, is that my past experiences with LSU Athletics have had a huge impact on the pride and love I have for the Fighting Tigers. It is truly a blessing to be working with our athletes and contributing to the success of one of the best and most traditional universities in the country. GEAUX TIGERS!

Presentations at NATA Conference

2011-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

This summer the National Athletic Trainer’s Association held its annual conference in New Orleans. Dr. Ray Castle, Dr. Melissa Thompson and Shelly Mullenix represented Louisiana State University. Dr. Ray Castle, Dr. Melissa Thompson, and Dr. Rick Ahmad, MD (LSU hand surgeon) worked in conjunction with the NBA Athletic Trainers’ Association on the 2011 Ron Culp Athletic Training Student Cadaver Workshop. Over 300 hundred students learned about athletic hand and wrist injuries and the related anatomy using 20 cadaver hand/forearm sections. Dr. Ahmad did a fantastic lecture and live dissection for the student attendees. Dr. Melissa Thompson did an oral presentation related to shoulder research that she has been working on with colleagues from the Department of Kinesiology. Overhead athletes are at greater risk for shoulder injuries, especially subacromial impingement syndrome. However, based on static analysis of the size of the subacromial space it is unclear if overhead athletes have a relatively larger or smaller subacromial space as compared to non-athletes. Melissa used the fluoroscope to capture dynamic images of the subacromial space during scaption exercises in female overhead athletes and non-athletic female college students. Based on the results, the athletes who were significantly stronger than the non-athletes in external rotation also had a larger subacromial space. This provides support for the influence of external rotation strength (rotator cuff) in maintenance of the subacromial space, and may be an important factor in the prevention subacromial impingement syndrome. Dr. Melissa Thompson and Dr. Dennis Landin (Professor in the Department of Kinesiology) also did a poster presentation related to the torque produced by the gastrocnemius during different knee and ankle joint combinations. Based on their findings they concluded that the best manual muscle testing position, with most gastrocnemius torque, is in a long sit position. The gastrocnemius produces the least torque when the patient is sitting at the end of the table with the knee flexed to 90 degrees and the foot in a gravity dependent plantar flexion position, which makes this the least desirable manual muscle testing position for clinicians.

Shelly Mullenix, along with researchers and team physician's from around the country presented the NATA's Position Statement on Safe Weight Loss and Maintenance Practices Among Physically Active Individuals. Specifically, Mullenix was able to contribute her keen insight to the challenges that face Division I collegiate athletes as they try to meet the sometimes unrealistic goal weights and how to do this while maintaining high levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. The hope for the panel was to educate athletic trainers, coaches, administrators, parents, and athletes on more effective ways to reach these goals while simultaneously reducing the prevalence of eating disorders and other unhealthy eating habits among athletes. Mullenix spoke about not only eating well while in-season, but developing diet plans and lifestyle changes that are safe and healthy year round, all at a pace that is realistic and specifically accommodating. "You have to do things in a healthy way," Mullenix says. "A lot of student-athletes are too quick to enter into bad patterns of eating, but you have to approach these goals in small increments. Quite often athletes - as well as the regular population - will want an entire diet plan laid out for them, but it's not something that gets fixed in a day." To read more please see articles below:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2011-06-13-national-athletic-trainers-association-weight-loss_n.htm

http://www.nola.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/ex-lsu_gymnast_clare-kearney_t.htm

2011 LSU Alumni Social in New Orleans

2011-08-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

A fun time was had by all at our LSU Alumni Social during the NATA Summer Symposium in New Orleans, LA. We had an incredible turnout of athletic trainers, both present and past, that have contributed to the family environment and the success of the athletic training program over the last 15-20 years! Having so many of us in one place gave an opportunity to see how special and unique of an athletic training program we all have been able to build over the years. With Ana Gross (now Couture) as the party planner, we enjoyed a night of local cuisine, good music and great friends. Having the photo booth was lagniappe and gave everyone a space to express their true feelings about LSU! Everyone had an opportunity to use the open mike to talk about their favorite memories of staff members, fellow athletic training students or events that they experienced during their time at LSU. In looking back on this evening, it was moving for us to see how many of our students and graduate assistants, now professional colleagues and friends, created the legacy that is LSU Athletic Training. We are turning out incredible athletic trainers that continue give back to not only LSU, but to the profession of athletic training. Thanks for your continued support and friendship. We always taught that relationships are what this profession is about...and this function was living proof!

To see all of the pictures from the photo booth, click here.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nick Badeaux! Nick was chosen as our September Athletic Training Student of the Month by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Graduate Assistants. Nick is a 3^rd year athletic training student currently working with the LSU Football team. His previous assignments have been Swimming and Diving and Track and Field. Nick has been a great role model for his fellow students not only at football but throughout the Athletic Training Program. When asked about Nick, Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC, Staff Certified Athletic Trainer for LSU Football and Director of Wellness said, “Nick has been a great addition to our crew of athletic training students at football this year. We expected Nick to step into a leadership role as a senior student as well as mentor the younger students. He has done just that. He really exemplifies much of what we look for in our students; he is hardworking, a team player and has a sincere interest in learning and improving his skills. He has taken initiative in assisting with rehabilitations and this will pay off over time as he begins to gain independence and confidence. We are proud of Nick and look forward to watching him evolve over the season.”

Congratulations to Our Newest ATCs

2011-06-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following:Since graduation in May, these new Certified Athletic Trainers are the first class in LSU Athletic Training history with a 100% first time pass rate. Congratulations to them as they all continue their careers in Graduate schools or job settings!

To check out the LSU Media News Release on these students' great achievement, click here.

Reminder: LSU Athletic Training Alumni Party at NATA Convention

2011-06-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

The National Athletic Trainers' Association 62nd Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia will take place in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, June 19th -Wednesday, June 22nd. We are expecting a large turnout for this years convention and wanted to coordinate our biggest alumni party yet. Let's show the country how LSU can party...

Event: LSU Athletic Training Alumni Party
Location:
Red Eye Grill
852 S Peters St.
New Orleans, LA 70130-1708
Date and Time: Monday June 20th, 7:00-11:00 pmPrice: $20 early registration or $25 at the door
(Guests can pay at the door)

To reserve your spot, mail your check to:
Ana Gross
740 Glenmore Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Come spend the evening with us and enjoy good food, drinks, a few door prizes. It will be a great time to meet back up with old friends and fellow LSU Athletic Training Alumni!

Map of Red Eye Grill from Ernest N Morial Convention Center

Click here for driving directions.

LSU Faculty and Staff Present at NATA Convention

2011-06-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

The National Athletic Trainers' Association 62nd Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia on June 19-22 in New Orleans, LA will feature many presentations by Athletic Trainers from all over the country. The LSU Athletic Training Faculty and Staff, and a former Graduate Assistant, will be presenting on various important topics throughout the meeting as well as at other surrounding events, such as the College Athletic Trainers' Society meeting. Below is a list of the presenters, their topics, and the date and time in which they will be representing LSU and the National Athletic Trainers' Association:

Keith Thompson, MS, ATC, CSCS, and Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC
Topic: Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Place: College Athletic Trainers' Society
Date and Time: June 19th, TBA

Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC
Topic: NATA Position Statement: Safe Weight Loss and Maintenance Practices in Sport and Exercise
Place: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (Press conference and panel discussion featuring authors, researchers, and medical personnel)
Date and Time: June 20th, TBA

Melissa Thompson, PhD, MEd, ATC
Abstract Title: Dynamic Acromiohumeral Interval Changes in Trained and Untrained Females with Differences in External Rotation Strength
Place: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 217
Date and Time: June 20th, 9:15-9:30

Shari Benson, MS, ATC (Former LSU Graduate Assistant)
Abstract Title: Late Detection of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in a High School Football Player
Place: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Date and Time: TBA

Please come out and support our LSU Athletic Training Staff as they present at the 2011 NATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia!

LSU Athletic Training Student Wins Kinesiology Award

2011-06-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Raymond Champagne, 2nd year Athletic Training Student has recently been awarded the Department of Kinesiology's Premier Scholar Award for the Concentration in Athletic Training. The Premier Scholar Award is given to the senior applicant in each concentration who most demonstrates exemplary scholarship, service, and leadership. In recognition of his Academic Excellence in Athletic Training, Raymond will receive a $500 scholarship at the beginning of the next semester. Congratulations to Raymond Champagne on receiving this prestigious award!

Relief Efforts for the University of Alabama

2011-05-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

On April 27th, a deadly 200mph tornado swept through the South, leaving devastation and destruction to many areas. One of the areas most affected was Tuscaloosa, AL, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. In response to this disaster, Jeff Allen, MS, ATC, Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Alabama has asked his SEC Colleagues for help in their relief effort. His letter reads as follows:

"SEC Colleagues,

As you are all aware, our city has suffered indescribable damage from the tornado on Wednesday. I can't thank each of you enough for the countless calls, emails, and text messages. Every member of our staff has received so many messages from our SEC friends.

Many of you have asked how you can help. We have an urgent need on our staff. A house where 4 of our Athletic Training GA's lived was completely destroyed and they lost everything. Thankfully, although they were in the house, they walked away.

We have set up a fund to provide them with anything they need to return their lives to some normalcy. If you are interested, donations can be made by sending a check made out to the University of Alabama. In the memo section, designate it for "Athletic Training Gift Account".

We have been blown away by the response from every school in our conference and can't thank you enough for your support. Please pray for our city and our entire region as we recover from this tragedy.

Thank You,

Jeff Allen
Director of Sports Medicine
University of Alabama"

It is hard to completely understand the magnitude of their situation, but so many of us from Louisiana can relate to the enormity of their tragedy. It's been close to 6 years since Hurricane Katrina destroyed the homes and lives of so many our athletes and athletic trainers. That August, an email that went out to our close friends asking for help...just like Jeff's. We had an incredible response from athletic trainers all over the country that wanted to help. Alabama was one of those Universities that came to our aide. Now it is our turn! Our staff is asking that we all help them in their time of need. You can send donations (checks or gift cards in any amount) to us, and we will send everything we receive directly to Jeff Allen. We will forward your gifts exactly how we receive them. This way they will know the individuals or school that has made the contribution to their relief efforts. I am hoping that sending the donations in bulk will help reduce the risk that it will get lost in their postal system that has likely been compromised.

In order to expedite these relief efforts, the LSU Athletic Training Staff is asking that anyone wishing to donate to the relief fund make checks payable to "University of Alabama" with "Athletic Training Gift Fund" in the memo field. These checks and other donations in the form of gift cards, etc should be sent to the address below, where they will be sent as a group to the University of Alabama:

Louisiana State University Athletic Training
ATTN: Shelly Mullenix
PO Box 25095
Baton Rouge, LA 70894

If you would like to send your donations directly to Jeff Allen, please email me for his address: smulle1@lsu.edu

Please take the time to help our friends and colleagues who lost so much in this devastating tragedy.

LSU Athletic Training Alumni Party at NATA Convention

2011-05-02T16:26:00.001-07:00

The National Athletic Trainers' Association 62nd Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposia will take place in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, June 19th -Wednesday, June 22nd. We are expecting a large turnout for this years convention and wanted to coordinate our biggest alumni party yet. Let's show the country how LSU can party...

Event: LSU Athletic Training Alumni Party
Location:
Red Eye Grill
852 S Peters St.
New Orleans, LA 70130-1708
Date and Time: Monday June 20th, 7:00-11:00 pm
Price: $20 early registration or $25 at the door
(Guests can pay at the door)

To reserve your spot, mail your check to:
Ana Gross
740 Glenmore Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Come spend the evening with us and enjoy good food, drinks, a few door prizes. It will be a great time to meet back up with old friends and fellow LSU Athletic Training Alumni!

Map of Red Eye Grill from Ernest N Morial Convention Center

Click here for driving directions.

Faculty and Staff Earn Awards at 2011 SEATA Convention

2011-05-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Awards Luncheon in Atlanta, GA, the LSU Athletic Training Staff was awarded a few prestigious awards for their honorary achievement in the profession of Athletic Training.

Jack Marucci, MS, ATC, Director of Athletic Training and Head Athletic Trainer for LSU Football along with the rest of the LSU Athletic Training Staff, were awarded the College/University Athletic Trainer Award. This award is presented to an Athletic Trainer who serves in many roles in addition to Athletic Training, in the institution, community, and SEATA. Marucci and members of the Athletic Training Staff also serve as clinical instructors in the College of Education's Department of Kinesiology.

Ray Castle, PhD, ATC, LAT, Director of Athletic Training Education Program and Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology received the Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit. This award is given to a member of SEATA who has worked for the district on a national level and brought honor and distinction to the district.

Melissa Thompson, PhD, MEd, ATC, Athletic Training Program Instructor received the Backbone Award. This award, named for the way the "backbone" makes the day-to-day functioning of the Athletic Training Room a smooth process, recognizes an Athletic Trainer who has provided a significant contribution to Athletic Training Program operations and to the Head Athletic Trainer.

Picture Above (L-R): Keith Thompson, MS, ATC, CSCS (accepting College/University Athletic Trainer Award), Melissa Thompson, PhD, MEd, ATC (Backbone Award), and Ray Castle, PhD, ATC, LAT (Chuck Kimmel Award of Merit)

For the original media release article, please visit the College of Education, Department of Kinesiology's website here.

For more information about 2011 SEATA Award winners, visit the website here.

Late Detection of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in a High School Football Player: A Case Report by Shari Benson, Former LSU Graduate Assistant

2011-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Shari Benson, former LSU Graduate Assistant, and currently in a fellowship with the Steadman Clinic, is presenting an Oral Case Study at this year's 62nd Annual NATA National Convention and Clinical Symposium in New Orleans, LA. Below is a brief overview of her case study. Be sure to attend the Convention to see Shari present the full Case Study. Yet another educational story and a reminder of how our LSU Alumni are contributing to the improvement of the health and well-being of athletes.

Late Detection of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in a High School Football Player: A Case Report

Abstract: Case report on a 17 YO football player at a rural high school who went misdiagnosed of R elbow OCD for 4 years. He had no MOI, but reported catching and locking with activity and was treated for lateral epicondylitis. A CT Scan revealed multiple loose bodies and moderate to severe damage to the articular surface of his capitellum. He underwent a R elbow synovectomy, loose body excision, and chondroplasty of his capitellum. He has now returned to sport without issues. The significance of this report is that OCD is commonly misdiagnosed in high school athletes, but is a common injury in adolescent football players and gymnasts. Due to the length of time this athlete went untreated, his lesion worsened to the point where he had 4 large loose bodies and significant damage to his articular cartilage, which makes him 50% more susceptible to having arthritis later in life. Most physicians are hesitant to operate on young athletes due to growth plate factors and their ability to heal non-operatively, however, untreated OCD is the leading cause of permanent elbow disability. Therefore, it is important to have the knowledge and clinical skill set to detect OCD early in adolescent athletes in order to avoid elbow arthritis and disability long-term.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dani Klein, this month's Student of the Month! Dani is a 3rd year Athletic Training Student currently working with University High School. Previous clinical rotations include LSU Football and Swimming and Diving. Throughout her years at LSU, Dani has been a superior role model and leader in both the classroom and clinically, as well as actively promoting the Athletic Training profession. At the conclusion of her junior year, Dani obtained a highly sought after NFL Summer Internship position with the Buffalo Bills. She was LSU's first female athletic training student to acquire such an internship. As expected, she represented LSU with integrity and hard work. She currently serves as the President of LSU's Student Organization, Alpha Tau Sigma, where she takes on many leadership responsibilities, including community service events and fundraisers. One of her main responsibilities this year was to coordinate the Alpha Tau Sigma's Annual High School Student Symposium.

Melissa Sorrells, MS, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer for University High School has had the pleasure of supervising Dani's current clinical rotation while at LSU and says "Dani's extraordinary leadership abilities have enabled her to become one of the top students in the program. Her passion and dedication to the Athletic Training profession as well as U-High has made her one to be counted on and looked up to, from not just the student athletes, but to faculty, staff, and other medical professionals as well. I have no doubt that she will succeed in her future role at Virginia Tech and go on to do great things for Athletic Training". Upon leaving the LSU Athletic Training Program in May, Dani will attend Virginia Tech University where she will obtain her Master's Degree while pursuing a Graduate Assistantship with Swimming and Diving. We wish Dani the best of luck in her future endeavors in the Athletic Training profession!

Donate to the American Red Cross to Help Support the Relief Efforts in Japan

2011-04-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2011, a devastating 8.9 scale earthquake hit the country of Japan, causing yet another deadly natural disaster, a 10 meter high tsunami that destroyed the lives and homes of many residents of Japan and the Pacific Coast.

Noritoshi Shirakawa, ATC, former LSU Athletic Training Student (2007-2010) and current Certified Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of Illinois is a native of Japan. Nori was an excellent student in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program, and was the award winner of the prestigious Academic Achievement Award two years in a row, as well as the NATA Research and Education Foundation Master's Scholarship in 2010. He was assigned to Football in 2007 and was part of the 2007 National Championship team. Nori was also part of very successful Track and Field and Softball programs. In the summers of 2008 and 2009, Nori also fulfilled interests in completing an NFL Internship with the Houston Texans and an MLB Intership with the Texas Rangers. Working with his native country, Nori also provided medical services to the Nippon Tornados, an independent semi-professional basketball team.

Minekazu (Kaz) Isobe, ATC, is also a former LSU Athletic Training Student (2005-2008) and native of Japan. Kaz was an outstanding Athletic Training Student at LSU, receiving the Academic Achievement Award in 2006-2007. He also participated in an NFL Internship with the Houston Texans in 2009. Kaz currently resides in Hiroshima, Japan, which is about 650 miles away from the devastation. He has been working as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Sanfrecce Hiroshima Japanese Professional Soccer Team in the J. League Division I. To help out LSU Alumni and those affected by the disaster in Japan and the Pacific Coast, please make a donation to the American Red Cross. Donations can be made in the name of the disaster, and can be made either online or by mail. We ask that you please take the time to support the LSU Alumni in this difficult time. To make a donation, visit the American Red Cross website.

Senior Athletic Training Student Returns from Semester Long Internship

2011-04-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

Students in the LSU Athletic Training Program are highly encouraged to seek experience in other settings throughout their three years, especially in the form of professional, collegiate, and/or other internships. From December 2010 to March 2011, RayLynne Lee, 3rd year Athletic Training Student participated in a collegiate internship with the University of Alabama at Huntsville. She served as an Athletic Training Student Intern under Jeff Kinard, MPH, ATC, CSCS, Head Athletic Trainer, as well as Joshua Stuhr, MS, ATC, Assistant Athletic Trainer. During her stay, RayLynne gained valuable clinical experience with the Men’s Ice Hockey and Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. Her duties for Ice Hockey included pre-practice and pre-competition treatments, as well as post-competition care and rehabilitations. She also had the opportunity to assist with the emergency care of a life-threatening External Jugular Vein laceration while assisting in competition coverage. Her duties with the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams included pre and post-competition treatment, as well as travel experience as she went on the road to Oakland City, IN with the teams. RayLynne ‘s opportunity with the University of Alabama – Huntsville was a very valuable experience that benefited her greatly as an Athletic Training Student as she continues her Athletic Training career. “My time spent with the Ice Hockey team at UA was a very positive experience. The internship challenged me and helped me grow in a short amount of time. Working underneath a different Athletic Training Staff was an extremely valuable experience and the UAH Athletic Training and Coaching Staff welcomed me with open arms. They were available and ready to teach me at any time. I also learned what it takes to be an Athletic Trainer in a very fast and demanding environment. This internship has played a key role in the continuing development of my career” – RayLynne Lee, 3rd Year Athletic Training Student – Football, Gymnastics, Swimming and Diving

Senior Athletic Training Students Set for the Future

2011-04-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Senior Athletic Training Students, all of whom have been given the opportunity to continue their Athletic Training education at the University or Rehabilitation Center of their choice both in and outside the southern region. We know that each student will represent LSU in an honorable way. Currently, our Seniors are preparing for and taking their Certification exam. We want to wish them all the best as they grow to become distinguised Athletic Trainers.

______________________________________________

Matthew Chappellie

Christus Schumpert: Highland Clinic

Shreveport, LA

Parkway and Captain Shreve High Schools _________________________________________________

Craig Chelette

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

Graduate Assistantship _________________________________________________

Danielle Davis

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN

Graduate Assistant: Women's Soccer _________________________________________________

David Gambel

Tulane University

New Orleans, LA

Graduate Assistantship __________________________________________________

Stephanie Garcia

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN

Graduate Assistantship: Football and Softball _________________________________________________

Dani Klein

Virginia Tech University

Blacksburg, VA

Graduate Assistantship: Swimming and Diving _________________________________________________

RayLynne Lee

University of Denver

Denver, CO

Internship: Women's Soccer and Women's Lacrosse _________________________________________________

Matthew Rabalais

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Graduate Assistantship _________________________________________________

Maggie Trinchard

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Graduate Assistantship: Swimming and Diving _________________________________________________

Jessica VanSweden

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

Graduate Assistantship: Softball _________________________________________________

Erica Williams

Mississippi State University

Starkville, MS

Graduate Assistantship: Football, Men's and Women's Tennis

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-04-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Emily Mesa, our newest Athletic Training Student of the month! Emily is a 2nd year athletic training student having worked with Football, and now with the Women’s Tennis team. In the past two years, Emily has been a tremendous Athletic Training Student, showing great work ethic and learning initiative in both the classroom and in the Athletic Training Room. Emily was one of nine 2nd year students who presented Case Study Abstracts at this year’s SEATA Student Symposium. Emily has also been improving her clinical skills with the Women’s Tennis team this year. Kellie Abendschoen, ATC, Certified Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for Women’s Tennis says “Emily has done an exceptional job this year as the Athletic Training Student for Women’s Tennis. She has shown a lot of initiative to improve herself as an Athletic Trainer. She goes above and beyond what is asked of her, especially with the multiple long-term low back rehabs that we have dealt with this year. She has gained the trust and respect of the team and coaches, and has been a great resource for her peers and the Pre-Professional Students in the Athletic Training Program. It has been a pleasure to watch her gain confidence as a second-year student. I know she will continue to excel as she finished the program and looks toward Graduate School in the years to come”. Congratulations to Emily as she continues to improve and excel in her Athletic Training career!

"Phantom Pain in a Collegiate Football Player" by Madeleine Scaramuzzo

2011-04-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

The LSU Athletic Training Department would like to share another case study which was submitted by one of our Athletic Training Students to the SEATA Student Symposium for presentation. Madeleine Scaramuzzo is a 2nd year Athletic Training Student in the LSU Athletic Training Department, having worked at University High and currently assigned to assist with the Football Program. She authored a case study on "Phantom Pain in a Collegiate Football Player". Below is the abstract including: Personal Data, Past and Current Personal Medical History, Signs and Symptoms, Differintial Diagnosis, Imaging and Lab Results, Final Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome, and Deviation From the Expected.

AUTHORS AND AFFILIATION

Madeleine Scaramuzzo, Athletic Training Student, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Andy Barker, MS, ATC, LAT, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Personal Data

The patient is a nineteen year old Caucasian male collegiate football placekicker.

Past Personal Medical History

The patient was born without a left upper extremity. The shoulder joint, including a portion of the humerus and the musculature of the shoulder, was present at birth. The musculature of the upper arm and below, including the biceps brachii muscles, triceps brachii muscles, coracobrachialis muscle, and others were absent at birth. During the patient’s childhood the humerus experienced some growth, and therefore the patient was required to undergo multiple surgeries in which the end of the humerus was shaved down. The patient has no family history of congenital limb abnormalities or missing limbs.

Current Medical History

The patient reports neuropathic pain occurring in the absent limb from time to time. Hitting the tip of the arm can sometimes elicit these symptoms; however, the symptoms can also occur without provocation. The patient is otherwise healthy and the missing limb has no effect on his overall health.

Physical Signs and Symptoms

The patient experiences several abnormal sensations occurring in the absent limb on a monthly basis. These abnormal sensations include feelings of pain that originate in the shoulder and upper arm and seem to run down the length of the arm to the absent hand. The patient describes the pain as “a nail running down through the entire arm.” In addition to pain, the patient experiences an abnormal sensation of water running down the “entire” arm after getting out of the shower. The patient also occasionally experiences what seems to be an itching sensation in the absent hand. Other sensations described by the patient include a thumping pain located at the tip of the limb, and a constant shocking pain occurring during cold weather which can be relieved by applying pressure to the limb. Because of the lack of blood vessels and overall abnormal vasculature in the left limb the patient experiences random periods of burning and heat which resolve on their own. During these periods of burning and heat the left limb is visibly red and warm to the touch.

Differential Diagnosis

Neuropathy, spinal cord injury, Phantom Limb

Results of Diagnostic Imaging/Laboratory Tests

N/A

Final Diagnosis

Phantom arm pains

Treatment & Outcome

The patient has never sought medical treatment for the condition because the signs and symptoms have never been severe enough to warrant it. The patient does admit, however, to taking over the counter NSAIDs occasionally to relieve symptoms. Other possible treatments include narcotics, anticonvulsant medication, and antidepressants. A form of treatment that could be beneficial to this patient and other patients with phantom limb pain is mirror box therapy. The mirror box is a box with two compartments separated by a mirror. The patient places both limbs in the box on either side of the mirror and watches the mirror on the side of the intact limb. This will create the appearance of the missing limb and can help to cure phantom pains.

Deviation from the Expected

What makes this case unique is that Phantom Limb is a condition that usually occurs in an amputated limb, however this case is seen in a congenitally absent limb. With Phantom Limb the brain still believes that the amputated limb is present because the brain was equipped with the necessary neurologic anatomy of the limb at birth. Therefore, the brain continues to send information to it, resulting in pain and abnormal sensations. With phantom arm pains the abnormal sensations experienced by the patient with a congenital missing limb occur because the neurological wiring in the brain may not be consistent with the actual anatomy of the limb, causing inappropriate sensations.

LSU Athletic Training Students Learn and Have Fun at SEATA

2011-03-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

On February 3-5th, thirteen LSU Athletic Training Students attended the 26th Annual SEATA Student Symposium in Atlanta, GA. During their stay, the students had the opportunity to present two oral Case Study Abstract Presentations and nine Case Study Abstract Posters. In addition to the student presentations, they were fortunate enough to be able to listen to several noteworthy speakers and lecturers from around the country regarding relevant topics in Athletic Training. The students participated in labs and lectures on topics such as Sports Nutrition and Orthotics. The 3rd year students had a full session that did nothing but serve as a BOC review. The students joined up with Quinnipiac University of Hamden, Connecticut and put together a team for the Quiz Bowl. Although they did not win first prize, the LSU and Quinnipiac students had a blast answering tough questions. Aside from the beneficial insight into relevant Athletic Training Education topics, the students and their new Quinnipiac University friends were also able to enjoy some down time with an evening dinner and social. The LSU Students had a great time representing their program, as well building their social network. The students are already looking forward to attending again next year!

To view the official LSU Media News Release on this year's trip to SEATA Student Symposium, click here.

Congratulations to Melissa Thompson, PhD, MEd, ATC

2011-03-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

In December 2010, Melissa Thompson, PhD, MEd, ATC, Clinical Instructor in the Athletic Training Education Program received her Doctoral degree in Kinesiology. Her dissertation topic was "Dynamic Acriomiohumeral Interval Changes During Scapular Plane Arm Motions". She has an abstract entitled "Dynamic Acromiohumeral Interval Changes in Baseball Players During Scaption Exercises" which was published in November 2010. To view her dissertation abstract in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, click on the citation below:

Thompson, MD, Landin, D, & Page, PA. (2010). Dynamic acromiohumeral interval changes in baseball players during scaption exercises. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 20(2).

Melissa, wife of LSU's Staff Certified Athletic Trainer Keith Thompson, is the mother of two boys and plays a critical role in our Athletic Training Education Program serving as Clinical Instructor, teaching Injury Rehabilitation, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, Basic Athletic Training, Biomechanics, and Cadaver Dissection. Originally from Highland, California, she received her Athletic Training Education and Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science at Truman State University, and received her Master's of Education in 2001 from the University of Virginia. She is also the faculty adviser for LSU's Alpha Tau Sigma student organization and serves as student adviser for the Athletic Training Education Program. We are all very proud of Melissa and her accomplishments and are very appreciative to have her a part of our Athletic Training Staff.

"Traumatic Brain Injury in a Collegiate Football Player: A Case Report" by Camille Bordelon

2011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

For the 26th Annual SEATA Student Symposium on February 3-5, 2011, nine 2nd year Athletic Training Students submitted Case Study Abstracts. All nine students were chosen to present either orally or a poster presentation at the Symposium. Camille Bordelon, a 2nd year Athletic Training Student with Football wrote her Case Study Abstract on "Traumatic Brain Injury in a Collegiate Football Player". This case study is of significant relevance to Sports Medicine today, with the increasing concern over head injuries and long-term complications in professional football. Below is Camille's abstract that covers Personal Data, Past and Present Medical History, Signs and Symptoms, Differential Diagnosis, Diagnostic Testing, Final Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome, and Deviation from the Expected in a severe head injury of a collegiate football player.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN A COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL PLAYER:

AUTHORS AND AFFILIATION:
Camille Bordelon, ATS, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Jack Marucci, MS, ATC, LAT, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Personal Data
The patient is a 20 year old African American male collegiate football wide receiver.

Past Personal Medical History
The patient has no past medical history of a traumatic brain injury.

Current Medical History
After jumping to receive a pass on the turf, the patient's legs were undercut, causing him to land directly on the back of his head. There was no loss of consciousness, but the patient was extremely disoriented and could not keep his balance without assistance.

Physical Signs and Symptoms
The patient had no loss of consciousness, but his mental status deteriorated quickly. He exhibited symptoms of profound confusion, headache, dizziness, and slurred speech. He was extremely groggy, falling asleep every few seconds and had to be held upright while seated to keep him from falling. In addition to showing symptoms of brain injury, he also reported facial pain and was noted to have constant blood-tinged clear drainage from his right nostril. In the ER, he was noted to show focal findings of a right pronator drift and right-sided finger-to-nose abnormalities.

Differential Diagnosis
Grade One Concussion, Grade Two Concussion, Grade Three Concussion, Intracerebral hemorrhage facial contusion, facial fracture

Results of Diagnostic Imaging/Laboratory Tests
A CT of the head done in the ER was WNL. A CT of the C-spine was also ordered and was WNL. Additionally, an MRI of the brain and a CT scan of the facial bones were ordered. The MRI of the brain was WNL. The CT Scan of the facial bones showed non-displaced right infraorbital and nasal fractures. Follow-up MRI of the brain on Day 4 was also WNL. The symptom score for his Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) was a 44 whereas his baseline score was a 3.

Final Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with a Grade Three Concussion by the Cantu Scale, as well as nasal and infraorbital fractures.

Treatment and Outcome
The patient was hospitalized for 4 days due to the severity of his concussion and balance problems and was discharged when he was able to walk without assistance. His facial fractures were treated non-operatively. Soon after discharge, the symptom score for his Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) was a 44 whereas his baseline score was a 3. After a consultation with a neurologist, the patient was instructed to rest for 4 weeks before participating in full activity. After this rest period, patient's ImPACT test was back to baseline. His symptoms resolved and he then participated in light contact and running drills for ten days before his symptoms returned. Prior to a game, he reported dizziness with contact warm-up drills. He then reported the dizziness had been occuring since the plane ride the day before. He also reported a mild presistant neck ache, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing in the classroom. He was held from the game and reevaluated. At that time, his ImPACT test symptom score was higher than his baseline at a score of 22. He underwent another MRI and CT Scan with unchanged results from the previous tests. The neurologist felt most of his signs and symptoms were post-concussive. However, he also thought there was a possibility of vestibular signs and symptoms as well, which would explain the patient's focal findings on exam in the hispital despite normal imaging studies. The patient began vestibular rehabilitation with a specialized physical therapist. The rehabilitation program was initially based off of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Concussion Rehabilitation Protocol. The initial focus was remedial therapy of the Posterior Cervical Spine muscles. Prior to onset of therapy, the patient was still reporting blurred vision, stiff neck, discomfort with head rotation, balance difficulty with eyes open and closed, and tenderness on C4-C5 with increasing pain and decreased ROM with rotation. The treatment also included cold laser therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation, manipulation of the cervical spine joints, and stretching. The next step was vestibular ocular reflex therapy and cervical ocular reflex therapy. With vestibular ocular reflex therapy, the patient looks at a target and shakes his head in a yes and no movement while walking forwards and backwards. With the cervical ocular reflex therapy, the patient keeps his head fixed on a target while walking forwards and backwards with torso twisting. After two to three weeks of vestibular therapy, the patient's symptoms had resolved and he began participating in individual drills and was slowly worked back into the rotation. He is now playing without limitations and reports his movement and hand-eye coordination to be better then before.

Deviation from the Expected
This patient's case had several unique features. First, his post-concussive symptoms were two-fold. He showed symptoms of the typical diffuse injury seen in a concussion but he also had symptoms of a focal vestibular injury. The impact of the fall caused brain trauma, but it also harmed the vestibular system, causing the patient's eye movement, proprioception, and inner ear to not function properly. This in turn affected his vision, balance, and concentration ability even after the concussion was resolved. Another unique feature is that the patient sustained facial fractures even though the blow to the head was on the posterior aspect. This is a true "contra-coup" injury, which is defined as an injury that occurs when the maximal area of injury is on the opposite side of the skill where the impact occurred due to the transmission of forces. Additionally, the nasal drainage, which was initially concerning for a spinal fluid leak from a basilar skull fracture, was in retrospect a mix of blood from the trauma of the nasal fracture as well as mucous that was jarred loose from his sinuses as a result of the impact. Due to the unique aspects of this patient's case, his treatment was tailored specifically to his needs, which ultimately provided him with a good outcome and a full recovery.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Payton Kingsley, the Athletic Training Student of the Month for March. Payton is a first year Athletic Training Student working with Gymnastics who has impressed the Athletic Training Staff and GA's with her achievements in both the classroom and clinically. When asked about Payton, Jon Lukas, ATC, Certified Graduate Assistant for LSU Gymnastics said "Payton is the sole Athletic Training Student at Gymnastics this year. She has truly been a valuable resource. Payton's steadfast work ethic and confidence in her Athletic Training abilities have made her a reliable aid in which the gymnasts regularly seek assistance from. She has been instrumental in assisting myself and the Medical Staff with treatments and rehabilitation including Accessory Navicular Injury, Ruptured Patellar Tendon, and Ruptured Achilles Tendon injuries. I have no doubt that Payton's strong didactic and clinical skills will make her an exceptional Athletic Training asset throughout her time in the program, as well as when she leaves here". Congratulations to Payton Kingsley on her accomplishments, as the LSU Athletic Training Staff, GA's, and Students look forward to having her a part of the program in the future.

LSU to be Well Represented at SEATA Student Symposium

2011-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Coming up in early February the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA) will host their 26th Annual Student Symposium. At the Symposium, the SEATA committees invite all undergraduate Athletic Training Students within its District to submit case studies for presentation. Of the submissions, 25 authored case studies provide a 15 minute summary of the case in a moderated poster presentation session. Of the 25, 15 were pre-selected to provide an oral presentation of their case studies. Traditionally, LSU is well represented within these sessions, and this year is no different. From the 25 prestigiously selected case studies, 9 will be from Louisiana State University.

The LSU Athletic Training Students which were chosen to give an oral and poster presentation to 750+ attendees were:

Camille Bordelon: Traumatic Brain Injury In a Collegiate Football Player

Courtney Melanson: Tibiofemoral Dislocation in a High School Football Player

The LSU Athletic Training Students which were chosen for the poster presentation sessions were:

Kirsten Hundertmark: Chronic Leg Pain in a Collegiate Women's Soccer Player

Madeleine Scaramuzzo: Phantom Pain in a Collegiate Football Player

Raymond Champagne: Chronic Knee Pain in a Collegiate Women's Basketball Player

Nicholas Badeaux: Upper Respiratory Muscle Spasms in a Collegiate Swimmer

Jared Muth: Acute Knee Trauma in a DI Collegiate Basketball Player

Zac Benjamin: Traumatic Forearm Injury in a Collegiate Men's Track and Field Athlete

Emily Mesa: Nineteen Yr Old Collegiate Tennis Player with Chronic Migraines

Once the presentations are given, they will be scored and ranked in order to receive honors such as top Clinical Case Study Abstracts, Clinical Case Study Oral Presentations, and Clinical Case Study Poster Presentations, as well as overall Clinical Case Study (abstract + oral presentation + poster presentation). The LSU Athletic Training Staff would like to congratulate these students on their accomplishments and wish them good luck as they prepare for their presentations.

LSU Athletic Trainers Join Habitat for Humanity

2011-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday January 29th, some of the LSU Athletic Training Staff, GAs, and Students got together for a day of community service, working with the local Habitat for Humanity Project. The Staff, GAs, and Students that attended were assigned to painting the outside of two houses in a local Baton Rouge neighborhood. Everyone at the project, including Habitat for Humanity Staff and Volunteers from around the area split into two groups, each responsible for painting the siding of the two houses. The Athletic Training Staff had a great time volunteering, and helping out our community. Our group is looking forward to participating in Habitat for Humanity again in the near future.

For more information on how to get involved with your local Habitat for Humanity group, visit their website here.

Check out our slideshow for more pictures from the event!

LSU Football Athletic Training Staff Travel to the Cotton Bowl

2011-02-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Recently the LSU Football Athletic Training Staff got the opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas for the 2011 AT&T Cotton Bowl. While hard work and preparation for the big game was a top priority, the staff was also able to enjoy the events and have fun together. The week-long trip began with a Welcoming Party in Cowboy Stadium. Both LSU and Texas A&M were present for a celebration with a video, food, and fun. The next night the team and staff traveled to the Main Event for a laser tag/bowling/arcade/billiards extravaganza. This was followed up the next day with a Cotton Bowl tradition of the Lawry's Beef Bowl, an all-you-can eat steak dinner. The football staff was also included in the festivities of an autograph session pizza party at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, which provided top notch hospitality for the week, including access to stretch limo's! One night some students were able to go ice skating, too. After a week of fun, it was time to play the game. This was a great end to the week - a victory over the Aggies. It was great seeing LSU on the world's largest HD screen!

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2011-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Danielle Davis! Danielle was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month for exemplifying great work ethic and willingness to help others in the Athletic Training Rooms. Danielle is in her 3rd and final year in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program. She has worked with the Women’s Basketball and Football programs and is now assisting with Softball. She is always willing to help others and do additional work besides her required duties. When asked about Danielle, Ana Gross, MS, ATC, Staff Athletic Trainer for Softball says, "Danielle has been a tremendous asset to myself and the Softball team this year. She has proved to be an excellent mentor to our 1st year Athletic Training Student. Danielle also has a huge hand in helping out with our current injury rehabilitations including ACL Reconstruction, Ulnar Nerve Transposition, and a Chronic Ankle Injury. She has displayed exceptional work ethic and determination to perfect her craft of Athletic Training. I have nothing but high hopes for her as she continues her education next year as a Graduate Assistant". We wish Danielle the best of luck in her future endeavors!

CHAMPS Thanksgiving with the Tigers

2010-12-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving the LSU Athletic Training Student Organization, Alpha Tau Sigma, participated with the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and the LSU Athletic Department in a holiday event for underprivileged children and their families, Thanksgiving with the Tigers. The Alpha Tau Sigma officers collected monetary donations and unwrapped gifts from the LSU Athletic Training Staff, GA's, and Students, and were able to collect everything on the child's wish list. The officers presented the gifts to our child and family during a special presentation and holiday dinner on November 22nd in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. According to Jared Muth, Alpha Tau Sigma Vice President, the child was very excited and thankful for all of his gifts and had a great time at the event. Many of our Athletic Training Students enjoyed meeting the family. Thank you to all who participated.

To read more about this year's presentation, click here.
For more pictures of Thanksgiving with the Tigers, click here.

LSU Sports Medicine Road Show

2010-12-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

The LSU Athletic Training Senior Students and Ray Castle, PhD, LAT, ATC, Director of Athletic Training Education Program have begun a public service outreach project, the LSU Sports Medicine Road Show. This road show will involve all senior students and a guest ATC to visit various Sports Medicine and Physician's Educational Clinics across the state of Louisiana, presenting pertinent and emerging health care topics relevant to the field of Athletic Training. The audience of these tours will include local high school coaches, parents, student-athletes, and High School Athletic Trainers. The first tour will take place soon and there are already topics lined up for the speaking tour. The presentations that will be included in the first tour include:

Sports Concussions 101 - Matt Rabalais and David Gambel
Ten Nutrition Tips for Optimal Performance - Dani Klein and Stephanie Garcia
Prevention of Ankle Injuries - Matt Chappellie and Erica Williams

More information will be posted about the LSU Sports Medicine Road Show as details regarding the tour emerge. Stay tuned!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Athletic Training Department wishes you a happy 2010 holiday season! Once again, the Staff, Graduate Assistants, and Students gathered for the Annual Christmas Party. However, this time we did not have a wiffle ball tournament. Instead, we gathered under the new outdoor patio space at Shelly's home and enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace ... this is for those who were close enough! We had a blast of arctic air move through Baton Rouge throughout the day and the temperature dropped about 40 degrees within a 24 hour period!

Over the course of the evening, we indulged in lots of food, fun, and conversation. Appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts were all complements of a variety of Athletic Trainers. The White Elephant gift exchange was a huge success as well! Gifts ranged from Justin Beiber posters and framed photos of the Football Athletic Training Student group to gift cards from local restaurants. This holiday tradition is always good for a good laugh (or two!). Browse the streaming photos for a glance at this year's fun!

On behalf of our group to those who have passed through our doors over the years, we wish you a very Happy Holiday season and of course, a Healthy New Year!

A College Coach's Perspective by Brian Tompkins

2010-12-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

"Who Knows the Scoop? Reflections On My Open Door Policy"
Why Athletic Trainers know more than coaches.
Published on May 30, 2010
If you want to get the scoop, spend some time with your athletic trainer. For coaches and support personnel, the wealth of knowledge that an athletic trainer may be able to offer could be invaluable to the success of the program. In this article written by Head Soccer Coach Brain Tompkins, he uncovers the truth that many athletic trainers know to be true .. we do more than just tape ankles! - Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC

“I have always maintained an open door policy in my office and, except for the occasional confab that requires privacy, it literally stands open to the world all day every day. The grandiose intention of this policy is to be welcoming to my student athletes and to be available if they need advice, support, counsel or just want to sit down and chat. In essence it is my way of symbolically saying: "Bring me your troubles and concerns; I care about you and I'm here to help." So why, given this type of laudable magnanimity, do so few players, of their own volition, ever come through the door?

Daphne is a certified athletic trainer. She has worked here for more than thirty years and is one of a team of trainers and interns that function in a loud and crowded room surrounded by athletes of all shapes and sizes. In direct contrast to me, when it comes to knowing the troubles and concerns of my athletes, she knows all. Daphne knows who is struggling in school and why; she knows who was out late on any given night of the week; she knows who hooked-up with somebody else's girlfriend at a party; she knows who's mad, who's sad and who's unhappy. In reality, although I generally have an inkling of what is going on, I know about half the juicy or sometimes gory details that she knows about my athletes.

Why is it that coaches like me are not in the loop with more information? After all, when we recruit kids out of high school we develop a palpable bond and they always arrive on campus so gung-ho and excited to have the opportunity to get a great education and play high-level soccer under my stewardship. There is typically a reasonable degree of closeness that brings with it optimism for a strong personal relationship.

Once they arrive at school however, most athletes' perception of that connection with the coach becomes altered as the relationship morphs from personal to pragmatic. The coach that spent so much time traveling across the country to watch them play, getting to know them and their family, calling and writing them to come to the school, is now on the other side of some sort of moat of undergrad coolness; a divide that often lacks hostility but is nonetheless an unspoken prerequisite of many an athlete. It is no longer quite so acceptable to be close with the coach because, in spite of the fact that they may be a good person with whom they have close ties, they still bear the title of Head Coach and, in the world of college athletes and adolescent culture, that necessitates maintaining, or at least creating the perception of, some distance.

For many students, particularly upperclassmen (who then in turn influence the newcomers), the coach comes to be viewed by their title or position rather than by the content or affect their personality and although the pre-college relationship is rarely completely lost with a student, it begins to revolve around an altered axis.

Over the years I have seen that my reality is similar to that of almost every other college coach and I have come to accept that I will always be looked at in a "coach-first, person-second" manner by my athletes and consequently, in spite of my best efforts, the threshold of my open door will likely remain infrequently crossed, except in the case of dire need or emergency.

Thank goodness then for Daphne and the training room! She has told me that once within the secure confines of that room and while getting ankles taped or muscles heated, athletes will, with minimal prompting, talk openly and candidly about anything and everything from school to sports to their personal lives. She and the other trainers become almost invisible to them and the students have little compunction about the bawdy or self-incriminating content or form of their discussions with her or with each other. It is by turns a place of confession, explanation, and revelation and it clearly serves as an opportunity for the sort of therapeutic purging and release that does not come quite so easily in the office of the coach.

It is an environment that proves that young student athletes value the chance to talk and share with adults but not necessarily with those they view as having iconic authority roles. Trainers are exempt because of their "invisibility" and because they are not typically viewed as figures of authority (although Daphne can certainly lay down the law when it's required!); similarly, assistant coaches may also have more freedom of access because they tend to be younger and usually seen, rightly or wrongly, as less authoritative than head coaches.

While the potential exists for this to be an undermining or counter-productive situation wherein information is hidden and damaging secrets kept, I view it as anything but. Experience has taught me to keep my door open but to not be offended or surprised if the flow of students walking through it is minimal and infrequent; consequently if and when I need to meet with somebody I simply schedule a time for them to come in and they are invariably happy to oblige.

However, it has also taught me that what a trainer knows about your players and their lives is invaluable and that the quality of my relationship with the trainer will determine how much or how little useful information I come to find out. Daphne and I have worked together for many years and she has a highly trustworthy filter regarding what I need to know and what I don't. I respect her privileged position and try to never abuse it because she has the hard-earned smarts to know what is important and what is trivial and ultimately has the best interests of all concerned at heart.

It is undeniably challenging for a Head Coach, especially when young and idealistic, to come to terms with being viewed first and foremost as an iconic role or job title rather than be seen as the open and supportive person that you might wish they would see. Some go to great lengths to "pal up" to their athletes which can have the effect of eroding propriety and respect on both sides. The privilege of leadership brings unwanted distance, even for the most beloved manager, director, chief, teacher, superintendent or even coach; it goes, as they say, with the territory and you can't force people to love you.

Somebody once told me that it takes a college athlete ten years to appreciate their college coach and to finally "get it." After twenty-plus years I still somewhat ruefully await the enlightenment of some of my former charges while being pleased to note that many others have required far less than a decade to understand and appreciate that their experiences were not just about having fun with their teammates, wins and losses and playing time but also about connectedness and mentored life lessons from coaches and other adults, often forged through struggle, sacrifice and adversity.

So, as I look forward to a new school year in the fall, my open door policy and my good intentions will remain. However, Daphne will not; she is heading into a well-deserved retirement. Hopefully she will leave her cloak of invisibility and her legacy of great wisdom in the training room for whomever takes her place”.

Written by: Brain Tompkins, Head Male Soccer Coach at Yale University in New Haven, CT
Article found at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/view-the-dugout/201005/who-knows-the-scoop-reflections-my-open-door-policy

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-12-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Courtney Melanson! Courtney was recently selected by LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistant's as December's Student of the Month. Courtney is currently in her 2nd year in the LSU Athletic Training Program, working with the University Lab School - UHigh. Courtney has previously worked with LSU Football in 2009, and has become an outstanding Athletic Training Student and role model. When asked about Courtney, Melissa Sorrells, MS, ATC, Staff Athletic Trainer for University High School and Physician Extender for Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic, said "Courtney is one of the best students I have had the pleasure to work with. She uses her knowledge and initiative to be a superb leader and role model at the Lab school. She is extremely well respected by the faculty and staff, as well as the student body and parents. She is certainly someone to whom others can model themselves after, and will go on to be a very successful Athletic Trainer". Congratulations to Courtney Melanson as she continues to do an outstanding job and further her Athletic Training career!

Congratulations to Camille Bordelon, 2010 Recipient of the Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award

2010-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Camille Bordelon, 2nd year Athletic Training Student with LSU Football was nominated as this year's recipient of the Acadian Ambulance Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award before the LSU vs. McNeese football game on Saturday October 16th. Camille was presented the award by Jack Marucci, MS, ATC, Director of Athletic Training, as well as joined by Mr. Sturlese and his daughter.

The recipient of the Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award is chosen by the Staff of Athletic Trainers at Football. This outstanding Football Athletic Training Student possesses a strong work ethic and continues to excel in the field of Athletic Training regardless of obstacles. The Staff Certified Athletic Trainers at Football believe that Camille is a great addition to the long line of successful Athletic Training Students that have been honored by Acadian Ambulance Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award. "She has shown steady improvement since she entered our Athletic Training Education Program in 2009. Camille currently serves as a leader and mentor among the Athletic Training Students and clearly takes pride in her accomplishments. We feel like Camille is a student that we can rely on and trust. She is professional in the way she approaches the student athletes and has handled the workload that we have placed on her shoulders", says Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer for Football. "We look forward to watching her growth in this Allied Healthcare Profession".

Pictured above: Camille Bordelon, Jack Marucci, MS, ATC
Pictured below: Camille Bordelon with Brad Edwards, MD, first recipient of the Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award

Martin J. Broussard Center for Athletic Training Undergoes Facility Renovations

2010-11-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Since 1998, the Martin J. Broussard Center for Athletic Training, located on the northeast corner of Tiger Stadium has been the central hub for all LSU Athletic Training services, and until the addition of the Football Operations Athletic Training Facility in 2005, it was the house for all LSU sports. However, in the summer of 2010, this state-of-the-art facility underwent several renovations to improve the efficiency and capabilities of the Athletic Training Staff that utilizes it.

Some of the extensive renovations that have taken place are:

Installation of brand new Mondo Flooring in the 1,600 square foot Rehabilitation Area
Installation of brand new carpet throughout the remainder of the facility
Replacement and upgrade of the Cybex Norm Testing and Rehabilitation System
Upgrade of current X-Ray Technology with a Digital X-Ray Processor, Fuji FCR Prima

The Mondo Flooring (above) is a rubberized surface installed by a European company, Mondo, which is also the official sports venue flooring company for the 2012 Olympics. The Mondo Flooring has many advantages in the Athletic Training Rehabilitation setting including its durability, ease of cleaning, and decreased disease transmission.

The carpet was replaced to eliminate old stains, and enhance the appearance and cleanliness of the facility.

The Cybex machine (below), a brand name for an Isokinetic Dynamometer, was replaced with newer, up-to-date technology to improve the effectiveness of isokinetic testing on LSU athletes.
The Digital X-Ray Processor, a Fuji FCR Prima, was installed in our X-Ray Room to work in conjunction with our current X-Ray machine. This new processor is utilized by our physicians and X-Ray Technicians to allow our medical team faster results. The X-Rays can transfer to various computers throughout the facility for easier, faster, and a more efficient diagnosis of orthopedic injuries. For more information on the use of Digital X-Ray Processors, see our Education Corner below.
The LSU Athletic Training Staff implemented these several facility renovations to improve the overall quality of the Martin J. Broussard Center for Athletic Training as well as improve the quality of care of LSU athletes. These renovations have helped to highlight the extraordinary Athletic Training Program at LSU, as well as keep pace with current technological advances in the Athletic Training Room setting.

2010 L-Club Alumni Reunion a Success

2010-11-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

The 2010 L-Club Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, and Video Staff Alumni Reunion held on October 15-16th was a huge success. Ana Gross, MS, ATC (LSU Staff Athletic Trainer for Softball), and Ray Castle, PhD, ATC, LAT (Director of Athletic Training Education Program) hosted the Alumni Reunion for the former Athletic Trainers. Festivities included: an Athletic Training facility tour, a Friday Night Social, and introduction before the LSU vs. McNeese football game on Saturday night. The Friday Night Social was put on by the L-Club in the Alex Box Stadium Champions Club, and consisted of games and contests for the alumni. Former Athletic Training Student, Chico Dupas won the Athletic Training taping contest, and the social was concluded by a towel folding contest between the former Equipment Managers. Tours included Alex Box Stadium and the clubhouse. This was the first opportunity for most of the former Athletic Trainers to visit this facility. On Saturday morning, the alumni gathered for another L-Club social prior to the game, and were then allowed on the sidelines for the LSU Pre-Game routine, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

New Technology in the Athletic Training Setting: Digital X-Ray Processors

2010-11-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, at the start of this school year, the LSU Athletic Training Program installed a brand new Fuji FCR Prima, a Digital X-Ray Processor to replace the outdated X-Ray films. According to Andy Barker, MS, ATC, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer for Football, the digital X-Ray processor was installed for several reasons:

Do not have to purchase x-ray film
Do not have to purchase chemicals needed to process the film
No need for excess storage of films
Can burn x-rays to a CD, allowing student-athlete to have a copy
Can e-mail x-ray to an iPad for Team Physicians to have easier and more efficient access to the x-ray
Compact and light features

Only one disadvantage was noted in the digital x-ray processor, and that was the inability to pull up past x-rays taken on the old, traditional x-ray machine. This means that past x-ray films will still be stored in the Athletic Training Room.
The Fuji FCR (Computed Radiography) Prima is a digital x-ray processor designed specifically for use by small, low-volume private practices that only perform about 5-15 studies per day.

So what are some other advantages of Digital X-Ray Processors versus the traditional radiographic techniques?

According to Ward, et al., traditional radiographic techniques, although easy to perform and widely available, lack precision in skeletal assessment. The main source of imprecision was the difficulty to measure the width of cortical bone and estimate the exact points of major regions of the bone (Ward, et al., 2003). However, Digital X-Ray Radiogammetry (DXR) uses the principles of traditional radiography in addition to added techniques which increase the precision needed to identify skeletal abnormalities. DXR uses image processing to reduce errors from estimation of bone landmarks by automating exact location of regions needed for analysis. "Automated computer vision techniques will always be more reproducible than those dependent on human decisions and actions, explaining why DXR has improved precision in comparison with previous methods of radiogammetry" (Ward, et al., 2003). The biggest advantage of DXR in Athletic Training settings is the ability to take the radiograph in one location, and almost immediately access the same radiograph from remote settings connected to the network. This portability and easy access to X-Rays is particularly important in the collegiate setting, where on-site access to physicians is not always possible.

"The practice of digital radiographic imaging if poised to undergo dramatic change in the very near future owing to a rapid proliferation of electronically readable x-ray detectors" (Chotas, et al., 1999). In conclusion, there are two main reasons why digital radiogammetry is becoming more popular in health care settings: promise of very rapid access to digital images wherever radiography with stationary X-Ray equipment is performed and the anticipation of image quality that exceeds that of traditional radiographic systems because of improvements in X-Ray detector technology (Chotas, et al., 1999).

References
Ward, KA, Cotton, J, & Adams, JE. (2003). A technical and clinical evaluation of digital x-ray radiogammetry, Osteoporos Int, 14. Retrieved from: http://www.springerlink.com/content/x83hxk4lfu2wfepu
Chotas, HG, Dobbins, JT, & Ravin, CE. (1999). Principles of digital radiography with large-area electronically readable detectors: a review of the basics: Radiology, 210. Retrieved from: http://radiology.rsna.com/content/210/3/595.full

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-11-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Matt Rabalais! Matt was recently selected by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be November's Student of the Month. Matt is currently in his 3rd year of the Athletic Training Program assigned to Volleyball under Erin Greenwich, ATC, Certified Graduate Assistant. Matt has previously worked with LSU Football, University High School, as well as a summer internship with the Houston Texans, and has been an outstanding leader and hard worker for the LSU Athletic Training Program. When asked about Matt, Erin Greenwich, ATC, Certified Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for Volleyball says, "Matt has been an impressive senior leader for younger athletic training students this year and a very dependable person for the Staff and Graduate Assistants to turn to as well. It is obvious through the work ethic he shows each day that he is very passionate about the Athletic Training profession. He has taken great ownership in the role he has been involved with in keeping our athletes healthy. Matt has become an important and valuable resource for the Volleyball student-athletes and coaching staff to turn to for guidance as well".
Matt is not only this month's Student of the Month, but he is also the 2010 Doc Broussard Athletic Training Student of the Year, chosen by the LSU Athletic Training Staff as the student who best displays exemplary performance in the classroom as well as in the Athletic Training Room and is an excellent role model for all LSU Athletic Training Students. Congratulations to Matt Rabalais as he continues to excel in his Athletic Training career!

Athletic Training Students Intern with Professional Teams

2010-10-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

This summer, four athletic training students participated in summer internships with various professional organizations, including the National Football League (NFL), Arena Football League (AFL), and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

In the NFL, Dani Klein interned with the Buffalo Bills, and Raymond Champagne interned with the Houston Texans. In the WNBA, Stephanie Garcia interned with the Los Angeles Sparks. In the AFL, Zac Benjamin interned with the Tulsa Talons. These students furthered their athletic training careers both educationally and clinically, with roles including pre-game and post-game set-up and break-down, hydration, treatments, observing, and facilitating rehabilitations, and observing evaluations performed by Certified Athletic Trainers and/or team physicians. Each student received a unique and valuable experience working with professional teams that will prepare him or her for future job settings and careers as Athletic Trainers.

For more information on these students and other past professional organization internships, visit our In the Pros section.

Athletic Training Students Take their Skills Abroad

2010-10-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Aside from professional internships, three LSU Athletic Training Students, Jessica VanSweden, Emily Mesa, and Courtney Melanson participated in a summer internship program with the Travel Sports Academy. The Australia Sports Medicine Travel Abroad Program focused on education and experience in all aspects of sports in Australia, ranging from Sports Medicine to Sports Management and Administration. These students learned the differences between Australian and American sport and culture by visiting many different facilities and venues from many different sports that are not easily accessible here at LSU. They were able to pick the brains of Australian Sports Medicine Professionals, Physiotherapists, Facility Managers, and Sports Management and Administration personnel of these various venues. On their off days, they had some Australian fun from surfing lessons in the Indian Ocean to playing with koalas and kangaroos in the Steve Irwin Zoo.
Places visited in Australia include:

Melbourne - Rob Laver Stadium - Home of the Annual Australian Open
Sydney - ANZ Stadium - Home of the 2000 Olympics
Surfer's Paradise - How to Save a Drowning Surfer
Cairns - James Cook University Sports Medicine Research Center

LSU Athletics to Host 2nd Annual Alumni Reunion October 15th & 16th

2010-10-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

The LSU Athletic Department and "L-Club" are pleased to host the 2010 Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, and Video Staff Reunion on the weekend of October 15-16, 2010.

Reunion activities will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, October 15th in the Champions Club at Alex Box Stadium. Friday Night Social activities include a facility tour, food, and cocktails. Attire is casual.

The L-Club room, located in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, will be open for tailgating on Saturday, October 16th. Doors open 4 hours prior to kick-off. Food and cocktails will be provided. Later, the LSU Football team will take on McNeese State. Time TBD. Previous letterwinners from former LSU Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, and Video Staff will be recognized in Tiger Stadium.

For more questions about this event, or information in tickets, please contact:
Ashley Winning
LSU Athletic Dept.
PO Box 25095
Baton Rouge, LA 70894

Click here to see details on last year's 1st Annual L-Club Athletic Training Reunion.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-10-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nick Badeaux! Nick was recently selected by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be October's Student of the Month. Nick is currently in his 2nd year of the LSU Athletic Training Program and is currently assigned to Track and Field under Staff Certified Athletic Trainer, Keith Thompson, MS, ATC. Haven previously been assigned to Swimming and Diving in his 1st year, Nick has greatly enhanced not only his educational and clinical experience, but his communication and passion about the profession of Athletic Training. When asked about Nick, Keith Thompson, MS, ATC stated "It has been rewarding to see Nick mature as a student since last year. Nick has been very helpful working with our student-athletes and very selfless in regards to working with his peers. I believe Nick cares deeply about others and has the capability to succeed in the future". Congratulations to Nick Badeaux as he continues to further his success in the LSU Athletic Training Program.

New Found Studies Linking Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to Athletic-Related Head Injuries

2010-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Throughout the recent media surrounding professional and collegiate football, there have been numerous controversies concerning the potential for athletically-related head injuries to cause serious brain damage and other medical problems later in life. These reported occurrences headline sports media and spark interest in Sports Medicine professionals, including Athletic Trainers to be more educated and aware of the potential for long-term brain damage in athletes suffering concussions during collegiate and professional play.

The article, "TDP-43 Proteinopathy and Motor Neuron Disease in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy" in the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology provides evidence for a new link between repetitive athletic head injuries and the formation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. ALS is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The article lists some environmental risk factors thought to be the cause of ALS, and athletic-related risk factors including history of trauma to the brain and spinal cord, history of participation in varsity athletics, and a slim physique, and strenuous physical activity (McKee, et al 2010). Various studies cited in the article state that there is an increased risk of ALS when the latest head injury suffered occurred at an older age, or there were a small number of years between the last head injury and diagnosis of ALS. Sports included in the study were sports of most contact including football, soccer, and boxing. Although the diagnosis of ALS occurs in the later years of life, there is still a greater risk for athletes with repetitive head injuries to be diagnosed with ALS and therefore severe damage to the brain and spinal cord, resulting in death.

To read the entire article on the relationship between athletic head injuries and ALS, click here.

Welcome to our 2010 Certified Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers

2010-08-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Bottom Row (L-R): Heather Wong, Kellie Abendscheon, Jessica Barton, Erin Greenwich
Top Row (L-R): Ben Stollberg, Dalis Boyette, Jon Lukas, Scott Campbell, Andy Jarosz, Brandon Stone

To get more personal with our newest graduate assistants, click here.

Welcome to the Class of 2013 Athletic Training Students

2010-08-27T07:16:00.001-07:00

Bottom Row (L to R): Caitlyn McKinley, Savannah LeJeune, Payton Kingsley, Ali Carter, Hope Willis, Leann Nickerson
Top Row (L to R): Will Acker, Jeremy Hamm, John McLaughlin, Reese Shivers, Brandon Cobb, Jared Williams, Jeremy Mayard

To get more personal with our new athletic training students, click here.

LSU Hosted 2010 LATA Summer Symposium

2010-08-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

The LSU Athletic Training Staff, Physicians, and Graduate Assistants hosted the 2010 Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association Summer Symposium on June 3-5th in Baton Rouge. The symposium was a huge success, featuring many informative presentations by the LSU staff and team physicians on topics related to their areas of specialty. This event marked the largest attendance in LATA symposium history. Along with numerous presentations, there were some prestigious awards given to members of LSU Athletic Training:

Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Serio, 2010 LATA Hall of Fame Inductee
Dr. Joseph Serio, a current LSU football team physician specializing in family practice was nominated by LSU Staff Athletic Trainers for 50 plus years of exemplary service to LSU Athletics. Dr. Serio served as an Athletic Training Student during his undergraduate career at LSU, before graduating with a degree in Zoology in 1961. He then attended LSU Medical School in 1968 and has been one of LSU's Football Team Physicians since. Dr. Serio's induction into the 2010 LATA Hall of Fame will always be remembered, as his plaque is on permanent display in the New Orleans Superdome on the LATA Hall of Fame wall. He is the 67th inductee since 1981 to receive this prestigious award. He still travels with the LSU Football team providing medical coverage and assistance to the Athletic Training Staff.

Other Awards received at the LATA Symposium by current and past LSU Athletic Training Staff:

Eugene Christmas Award - Erin Greenwich, ATC (pictured below with Josh Yellen, ATC, MA, LAT)
Dean Kleinschmidt Scholarship Award - Nori Shirakawa, ATC

Congratulations to Micki Collins, MS, ATC, who was elected LATA Secretary at the Symposium.

Clinical Instructors Making an Impact on Athletic Training Curriculum

2010-08-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Certified Athletic Trainer and LSU Athletic Training Education Program Instructor, Melissa Thompson, presented one of her recent publications at the 2010 NATA Convention this summer. Melissa Thompson, MEd, ATC, along with Dennis Landon, published the article entitled "Scapular Upward Rotation and Acromiohumeral Interval Changes in Collegiate Baseball Players During a Weighted and Un-Weighted Scaption Exercise" in the Supplement to the Journal of Athletic Training, Volume 45, Number 3.
For a link to the poster presentation, click here.
For more on the abstract article, view page 103-105 in the Supplement to the Journal of Athletic Training, 45(3).

Also this year at the 2010 NATA Convention in Philadelphia, Ray Castle, PhD, ATC, LAT, Director of Athletic Training Education Program, was elected as the new District IX Chair on the NATA Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors. He was featured in the August edition of the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Newsletter. For more information on his position, visit the NAT A Foundation website.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-08-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Camille Bordelon! Camille was recently selected by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants as the Athletic Training Student of the Month for August. Camille is currently in her 2nd year in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program and is currently assigned to the LSU Football Team. Haven previously gained experience with the Women's Basketball team under Micki Collins, MS, ATC, Camille now has the opportunity to further her education and clinical experience while working with LSU Football under Staff Certified Athletic Trainers, Jack Marucci, Andy Barker, and Shelly Mullenix, as well as Certified Graduate Assistants, Ben Stollberg and Brandon Stone. Camille is a well deserving recipient of the Student of the Month Award. She has been a great influence on the other students at football with her positive attitude, professionalism, and hard work. When asked about Camille, Shelly Mullenix, MS, ATC, Staff Certified Athletic Trainer for LSU Football and Director of Wellness said "It is clear that her willingness to work hard will pay off as she continues to gain confidence and knowledge. She has been someone the Staff and Graduate Assistants can depend on to get the job done". Congratulations to Camille as she continues to further her success in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program.

Congratulations to Our Newest ATCs

2010-05-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following:
These seniors have recently taken and passed the Athletic Training Board of Certification Exam! Pending graduation in May, they will soon be able to call themselves Certified Athletic Trainers. Congratulations!!

LSU Athletic Training Students Obtain Graduate Assistantships

2010-05-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

The LSU Athletic Training Staff would like to congratulate the students in the class of 2010 which have received Graduate Assistant positions for the upcoming school year. We were very fortunate to place many Athletic Training Students in strong collegiate programs across the United States, including:

Brandon Albin
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
_________________________________________________

Amanda Barbee
University of Houston
Houston, TX

_________________________________________________

Gina Gonzales
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
_________________________________________________

Erin Greenwich
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
_________________________________________________

Sarah O’Keefe
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

_________________________________________________

Megan Sauviac
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

_________________________________________________

Noritoshi Shirakawa
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL

_________________________________________________

Erin Sutton
Rice University
Houston, TX

_________________________________________________

Michael Welch
Troy University
Troy, AL

As these students work hard to earn a Master’s Degree or possibly beyond, we wish each student the very best as they continue on their paths in the Athletic Training Profession.

Athletic Trainer's Fund Picking Up Steam

2010-05-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Former student-athletes and friends of the Louisiana State University Athletic Training Program like to give a little back. In thanks for the time and effort spent on the rehabilitation of their injuries, taping their ankles, as well as giving them a place they can call home, former LSU student-athletes have donated money to the Athletic Training Fund administered by the Tiger Athletic Foundation. These funds help support Athletic Training Students and Graduate Assistants in need of financial assistance or special consideration. In exchange for a $2500 donation, a framed photo is placed in the Martin J. Broussard Center for Athletic Training and the Football Operations Athletic Training Room, as well as on our LSU Athletic Training official website. Through the Athletic Training Fund, former student-athletes have found a way to extend their gratitude to LSU Athletics and to help support those whose endless hours and hard work often go unnoticed. To see a list of those who have contributed to this worthwhile fund, click here.

If you are interested in making a donation to this fund, please contact Shelly Mullenix at (225) 578-2050.

LSU to Host LATA

2010-05-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Louisiana State University Athletic Training Department is very excited to announce that the 2010 Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association (LATA) Summer Symposium will be hosted by LSU this year. It will be held at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel and Casino on June 3-5. Please visit the LATA website for links to hotel information and the registration form. To guarantee a room, you must reserve it by May 20 and registration forms must be postmarked by May 24.

The current educational symposium will include speakers such as:

Ricky Lane, PT - Active Release for the Athlete
Andy Barker, MS, ATC - Inventory and Insurance Tracking thru a Database
Dr. Rick Ahmad - Hand and Wrist Injuries - When to Operate
Tavis Piattoly, MS, LDN, RD - Nutrition and Its Effects on an Injury During Recovery Phase
Shawn Eddy, MEd, ATC and Dr. Carey Winder - Case Study: Dislocated Patella in a Division 1 Basketball Player
Dr. Carey Winder - Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments
Dr. Brian Harrell and Dr. Ricky Pratt - Analysis of Bloodwork - What Does It Mean?
Dr. David Thomas - Sleep Disorders and How They Effect Sport Performance
Dr. Paul Kramm - Prolo Therapy
John Porche, MEd, LAT, ATC - Are YOU Certified to Practice as an Athletic Trainer in Louisiana?
Charles Baglio - Hall of Fame Banquet, Keynote Speaker

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Noritoshi Shirakawa! Nori was recently voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month. Nori is in his final semester at LSU in the Athletic Training Education Program. Throughout his tenure at LSU Nori has worked hard and proven to be a great part of the LSU Athletic Training Department. He has worked with the 2007 National Champion Football Program, the Men's and Women's Track and Field Program, and is currently assigned to Women's Softball. Under Associate Athletic Trainer, Ana Gross, MS, ATC, Nori has been able to gain much experience that will prepare him for his future Graduate Assistantship at the University of Illinois starting next year. When asked about Nori, Gross says: "It has been a pleasure to work with Noritoshi this past year. I am confident that he will make an excellent Athletic Trainer. We wish him well as he begins his next journey as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois." Additionally, Noritoshi has been informed that he received the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Research and Educational Foundation Scholarship at the Master's Level. This is a $2,300 scholarship given to a deserving Athletic Training Student to obtain financial assistance for the cost of their education in their future Master's Degree Program. See the LSUNews article that made the front page of the LSU.edu website for a complete story. Most recently, Nori is one of the Senior Athletic Training Students that has just found out he has passed his Board of Certification exam and pending graduation he is soon to be a Certified Athletic Trainer.

LSU High School Symposium Wrap-Up

2010-05-01T21:30:00.001-07:00

Recently the Louisiana State University Athletic Training Student Organization, Alpha Tau Sigma, hosted the 6th Annual High School Athletic Training Student Symposium. We are very pleased to report that the day was a great success. The day began with a talk from the LSU Athletic Training Curriculum Director, Ray Castle, PhD, ATC. Dr. Castle spoke to the high school students about Athletic Training at LSU and described what a typical day may consist of here on the Baton Rouge campus. The talk was followed by educational stations that allowed the participants to get a great deal of hands on experience. The LSU Athletic Training Students lead groups that included: injury prevention and rehabilitative demonstrations, hands on experiments, and real life scenarios from the following educational domains:

Taping for the upper and lower extremities,
Elastic band use for the upper and lower extremities,
Splinting,
Spine boarding,
Modalities,
Proprioception and balance,
and the importance of and how to take vital signs.

While in the Martin J. Broussard Center for Athletic Training, the participants were able to get a very unique look at the facilities that LSU student-athletes, faculty, and staff work out of daily.

To see all the pictures from the symposium, please visit our website.

LSU Athletic Trainers Educate the Community on Sickle Cell at the Annual LSU Health and Wellness Fair

2010-04-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Each year the LSU community joins together to host a Health and Wellness Fair. The fair provides an opportunity for the LSU population to interact with many different organizations on campus which support and promote wellness, including student organizations, LSU departments, and community agents. Over 100 various booths are set up in the Student Union which allow participants to gather information on many different wellness topics and also provide the opportunity to receive free health screenings including: cholesterol levels, glucose levels, blood pressure, hearing, and vision.

In the past the LSU Athletic Training Department, particularly Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer/Director of Wellness, has made it a point to have the Athletic Trainers at LSU be involved in the Wellness Fair. Mullenix states, "As a health care provider, I feel it is important for Athletic Trainers to utilize opportunities such as these to educate not only the athletic teams we provide care for, but the general population as well." Along with Mullenix, one of the LSU Graduate Assistant Certified Athletic Trainers, Ben Stollberg, created informational pamphlets as well as coordinated attendance of our Certified Athletic Trainers at the Wellness Fair. The Athletic Training Department chose the topic of Sickle Cell to provide information on at the Health and Wellness Fair this year.

Sickle cell anemia is a chronic hereditary blood disorder in which red blood cells (RBC) are sickle or crescent shaped instead of round. It is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin in the blood. A person may either have sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or neither. It is an inherited disease and thus is present from birth and cannot be acquired later in life. Sickle cell is most prevalent in African American, Native American, and Mediterranean populations.

Complications of sickle cell may include, but are not limited to:

Decreased oxygen transport.
Shorter RBC lifespan, leading to a deficiency of RBCs.
Increased risk of thrombi or "clogged" blood vessels.
Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of muscle tissue due to lack of blood supply). The risk is 200 times greater for people with sickle cell trait and is also the leading cause of death in athletes that have "sickle cell crisis".

Due to the complications of sickle cell it is easy to see that it is important for Athletic Trainers (and athletes) be educated on this blood disease. As Shawn Eddy, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer, stated in our previous newsletter, "Here at LSU we do a simple blood test on each of our student-athletes during their pre-participation physical exams to screen for both sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease." Knowing this can help Athletic Trainers better monitor student-athletes during workouts and respond if that student-athlete ever experiences a sickle cell crisis. Student-athletes with sickle cell trait or disease have increased risk of complications due to the exhaustive nature of practice and competitions. Extensive exhaustive exercise can induce sickling of the RBCs. Heat, dehydration, altitude, and asthma also contribute to increased risk or sickling. Sickle cell collapse is often mistaken for a cardiac problem or heat related problem.

How to Tell the Difference Between Heat Cramping and Sickle Cell Crisis:

Heat cramping is often preceded by muscle twitches; sickling is not.
The pain is "different"; heat cramping pain is more excruciating.
Heat crampers hobble to a halt with "locked up" muscles, while sickling players slump to the ground with weak muscle.
Heat crampers have visibly contracted, rock hard muscles. Sickling players have muscles that look and feel normal.
Sickling players caught early and treated right recover faster than players with major heat cramping.

The fact that many people, not just athletes, are active and potentially vulnerable to the complications of sickle cell means education can become important for everyone. All people are screened for sickle cell at birth. However, many do not know the results of these screens. Since sickle cell is an inherited disease, blood screening only needs to be done once and is very easy to do. Just as many health care providers do, Athletic Trainers often encourage screenings such as sickle cell for everyone.

Symposium Registration Almost Closed!

2010-04-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

With the 6th Annual High School Athletic Training High School Symposium right around the corner (Saturday, April 17th), registration will be closing soon! The last day to register online will be Sunday, April 11th. We encourage everyone that is interested in sending students or attending our symposium to please sign up now. If you happen to miss the April 11 due date, you may contact Alpha Tau Sigma President Erin Greenwich to register. (225-252-0836 or mgreen5@tigers.lsu.edu)

For more information or to register for the 6th Annual High School Athletic Training Student Symposium, please visit our website.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-04-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Michael Welch! Michael was chosen by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month. Michael is currently a Senior in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program. Each year he has shown a great deal of dedication and is always willing to go above and beyond to help out others. In Michael's first year as an Athletic Training Student he was able to gain much experience while working with the LSU Gymnastics team and then followed that as a second year with the Football program. The summer between his second and third year Michael was chosen by the Athletic Training Staff to be one of two Athletic Training Students to receive a full paid summer internship while working in the Football Operations Athletic Training Room daily. In his final year at LSU, Michael is working with the Baseball team under clinical instructor Beau Lowery, MS, PT, ATC, SCS. When asked about Michael, Lowery says: "Michael is one of the best students I have ever had. He works hard and has a strong desire to get better every day. Michael is going to be a great Athletic Trainer!" Just as all the other Senior Athletic Training Students at LSU, Michael has recently taken his Board of Certification exam. We wish Michael and the rest of our seniors the best of luck as they continue on their career paths.

Happy National Athletic Training Month!

2010-03-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-03-01T09:11:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Jared Muth! Jared was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month. He is in his first year in the Athletic Training Education Program at LSU, assigned to assist with Men's Basketball. Even as a younger student in the program, Jared's obvious drive and work ethic is shown to be a great example for others to follow. When asked about Jared, his clinical instructor, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer, Shawn Eddy says: "It goes to show the impression that hard work and always willing to help out and do extra has on others for them to nominate Jared as ATS of the Month. He has by default been an ATS for not only Men's Basketball, but also Women's Golf, and the Tiger Girls and has stepped up and done whatever is needed of him by me to assist with those other sports. I am extremely pleased that he is recognized for this award."

Pre-Participation Exams

2010-03-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

Written by:
Shawn Eddy
Senior Associate Athletic Trainer
Louisiana State University

It's the middle of March, our Spring sports are in full swing; winter sports are wrapping up and much of the country is caught up in March Madness. It's also at this time that I start looking at Semester schedules, getting in touch with coaches as well as compliance and academic offices as to when their teams are reporting and when orientation meetings are being held for the sole purpose of coming up with a Pre-Participation Exam (PPE) schedule.

Over the years, we have seen changes to our PPEs. Some of these changes have been necessitated by NCAA rule changes, others by the tragic occurrences that have been taking place in sports at all levels, sudden deaths. Currently at LSU, we are doing PPEs 6-7 times a year depending on when the sports teams report. However, we have two primary dates: the Sunday prior to start Summer semester and the Sunday prior to start of Fall semester. Not only do Freshman and Transfers receive PPEs, but our returning athletes do as well. All Freshman and Transfers undergo a complete physical while returnees go thru a "recheck" process. These rechecks are done within the first week of classes in the Fall. At that time we are able to follow-up on any injuries or illnesses that are unresolved from the prior season or summer vacation. The recheck exam provides us the opportunity to re-assess vital signs, heart and lung function, height/weight and follow-up on any orthopedic injuries. In the end, every student-athlete (S-A) will complete a physical each year prior to sport competition.

The most recent addition (since around 2001) to our PPE has been the implementation of Echocardiograms (ECHO). While we continue to do the standard ECG, our team of physicians felt this would be a helpful addition to our standard protocol. Every S-A receives an ECHO at the beginning of their eligibility at LSU; the decision is not based on one's history. Our Team Cardiologist, along with a Radiological Technician, is on-site to administer, observe, and read the ECHO during physicals to rule out any pathology that may predispose an athlete to heart ailments. There is controversy both within our Conference as well as nationally as to the real benefit to doing an ECHO. The three primary arguments are: (1) the cost of performing an ECHO, (2) the liability and potential cost to the Department is something is found, and (3) the reliability of the ECHO to actually uncover pathology. For LSU, the cost has been offset by the fact that the echocardiogram equipment has been donated; so has the time of both the Team Cardiologist and Radiological Technician. As for concerns over liability, our Administration agrees that accepting a scholarship athlete to LSU will sometimes bring the potential fro medical problems. Our medical personnel would rather accept responsibility versus not knowing what potential problems may exist. Finally, uncovering pathology, even if the chances are slim, would be well worth it if it meant the difference between life and a catastrophic cardiac event. The most critical pathology that could be uncovered is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (a thickening of the left ventricular wall). This can be clearly evaluated by an Echocardiogram. As of 2010, several more universities have added the ECHO to the PPE regimen.

Height, weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, orthopedic evaluation, and general health evaluation are still a major part of each PPE. Each S-A also has blood drawn. With the blood evaluation, our physicians are assessing the S-A's general health as well as identifying those athletes with sickle cell trait, and potentially sickle cell disease. LSU includes a psychological screening tool that is evaluated by our contracted sports psychologist. This is used to pre-screen new student-athletes for a multitude of psychological, social, academic, and substance abuse issues. Additional areas of medical concern that are evaluated during the PPE are oral evaluations and eye examinations. The oral exams, performed by one of our Team Dentists, are done to rule out early stage oral cancers. In addition to oral exams, mouth molds are taken so that custom mouthpieces and be made for those sports that require mouth guards. Our eye exams check for any changes in vision since their last evaluation. Any functional testing that an ATC would like to do for an individual or team is done around the time of the PPE but is not generally a part of the scheduled exams.

Once a S-A completes his or her athletic eligibility, they receive an exit physical. The exit exam has allowed us to follow-up of any unresolved issues that an athlete may have or had in their athletic career that needs additional follow-up.

The PPE gives us an opportunity to uncover pathologies and orthopedic injuries. The simple introduction of rehabilitation could potentially strengthen joints that would be more vulnerable to injury. It is not unusual to find elevated blood pressure during physicals. This can be effectively treated prior to the start of one's season. Most important is the blood work that could uncover the life threatening condition, sickle cell. With conditions such as sickle cell, knowledge is power. Adjustments can be made to practices and conditioning workouts that would accommodate the special needs of these individuals. While we recognize that PPEs are time consuming for all of the individuals involved, we all agree that they are one of the most critical parts of our pre-season preparation.

LSU Was Well Represented at SEATA Student Symposium

2010-02-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA) recently hosted their 25th Annual Student Symposium this February 4th-6th in Atlanta, GA. Each year SEATA invites undergraduate Athletic Training Students to submit a case study for possible presentation at the symposium. The 25 authored case studies which were selected provided a 15 minute summary of the case in moderated poster presentation sessions at the symposium. The pre-selected top 15 from the 25 presented their case studies in an oral presentation session. Here at LSU, we were pleased to have the largest representation from District IX presenting this year. Of the 25 selected case studies to be presented, 5 Athletic Training Students were chosen from LSU.

The LSU Athletic Training Students which were chosen to give an oral and poster presentation to 750+ attendees were:

Stephanie Garcia – Exudative Pharyngitis in a Division I Football Player: A Case Report
Ashley Kemske – Laparoscopic Appendectomy Of a Division I Collegiate Male Baseball Player
Sarah O’Keefe – Grade 2 Ankle Sprain in a Collegiate Softball Player

The LSU Athletic Training Students which were chosen for the poster presentation sessions were:

David Gamble – Gross Hematuria in a 19-Year-Old NCAA Division I Collegiate Female Swimmer
Erica Williams – Ice Allergy in a Division I Volleyball Player: A Case Report

Once the presentations were given they were scored and ranked, the LSU Athletic Training Students received many honors including:

Clinical Case Study Abstract

3rd Place: Sarah O'Keefe
4th Place: Stephanie Garcia (tie)

Clinical Case Study Oral Presentation

2nd Place: Sarah O'Keefe
4th Place: Stephanie Garcia

Clinical Case Study Poster Presentation

1st Place: David Gamble (tie)

Overall Clinical Case Study (abstract + oral presentation + poster presentation)

2nd Place: Sarah O'Keefe

Congratulations to these students and thank you for well representing the LSU Athletic Training Education Program!

LSU Team Doctors Helping in Haiti

2010-02-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

As the unfortunate events in Haiti have occurred many people have come together to help. Among these people are a few of the commonly used orthopedic physicians at LSU. Dr. Craig Greene, an orthopedic trauma specialist, was in the first round of physicians that left for Haiti January 17 and is heading up “TheGreeneTeam”, which is the name the group of orthopedists gave themselves. On January 21 a new group of physicians traveled to Haiti. Among this group were Head LSU Team Orthopedists, Dr. Brent Bankston, and Dr. Larry Ferachi.

Click here to read a WAFB news story posted January 20 about this group of physicians.
Click here to follow the Twitter of “TheGreeneTeam”.
Click here to view a NBC interview of Dr. Greene after his return from Haiti.

As the recovery of Haiti continues we ask that your thoughts and prayers go out to the effected Haitians as well as all those attempting to do their part in lending help. If you wish to make a donation towards the Haiti relief, you will see a link at the bottom of the WAFB story mentioned above.

1979 LSU Athletic Training Staff

2010-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Recently at the 1st Annual L-Club Athletic Training Reunion Reception a picture from the past was revealed that we felt as if we just had to share. The people in the photo are as follows: Kneeling Left to Right: John Purdy (Graduate Assistant), Dell Flair (Assistant Athletic Trainer). Standing Left to Right: Durrell Hudson, Murray Burch, Danny Scott, Gregg Jones (in back), Stuart Gonzales, David Sparks (in back), Jimmy Belk, Todd LeBlanc (in back), Donnie Friedman, The Head Athletic Trainer at the time was Tracy Ladd (not shown).

If anyone has more pictures they would like to share, we would be very happy to include them in the newsletter. Please email pictures to Erin at mgreen5@tigers.lsu.edu.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2010-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Dani Klein! Dani was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month. Her exemplary work ethic and willingness to help others has proven to be a great example for all students around her. Dani has been in the Athletic Training Education Program for two years working in year one with the Football program. She currently is assigned in her clinical rotation to Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving. With a group of 45 swimmers and 5 divers, Dani has found a great balance in managing their daily care, treatments, doctors’ visits, and rehabilitations. Our staff is very excited for Dani as she will be the first female athletic training student from Louisiana State University offered an NFL Summer Internship. She has been invited by the Buffalo Bills to participate in their 2010 summer pre-season camp in Rochester, New York. “I understand the importance of this internship for Dani and LSU Athletic Training,” says Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer. “It is an incredible opportunity to show the Buffalo Bills and the National Football League that our female athletic training students represent themselves with class and dignity. Dani has proven that with hard work, dedication and strong morals, females can be given the opportunity to change the way they are perceived in a league dominated by males.”

Christmas with the Tigers

2009-12-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

For the second year, the LSU Athletic Training Student Organization, Alpha Tau Sigma has participated in the LSU CHAMPS/Life Skills program, “Christmas with the Tigers”. The Alpha Tau Sigma Officers collected monetary and unwrapped gift donations from the LSU Athletic Training Students, Certified Graduate Assistants, and Staff. The Officers purchased a variety of entertaining and useful gifts for the two children we were lucky to be paired with. These donations were presented to all the families participating with "Christmas with the Tigers" on December 1, 2009 in the Academic Center for Student-Athletes' Bo Campbell Auditorium.

Click here to read more about this year's presentation.
Click here for more information on the history of "Christmas with the Tigers".
Click here to view more pictures from this year's presentation provided by LSUsports.net.

1st Annual L-Club Athletic Training Reunion Reception

2009-12-03T11:19:00.001-08:00

Recently LSU hosted the 1st Annual L-Club Athletic Training Reunion Reception. During the reception held in the L-Club the alumni were recognized by Senior Associate Athletic Director, Verge Ausberry, as well as Ricky Chapman, current L-Club President. Current Athletic Training Program Director, Dr. Ray Castle, and Ana Gross, Associate Athletic Trainer for LSU, took the group on a tour of the Dr. Marty Broussard Center for Athletic Training facility. Plenty of time was spent reuniting with old friends, as well as meeting other LSU Athletic Training alumni during tailgating before the LSU-Tulane football game on October 31, 2009. Our alumni were given the opportunity to once again gain sideline access before our game and received tickets to attend the football game. Wrapping up the weekend, alumni gathered Sunday morning for a breakfast from one of Baton Rouge's local restaurants, Another Broken Egg.

For more pictures from the event, please click the scrolling slideshow near the top right of this page.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2009-12-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to RayLynne Lee! RayLynne was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month for exemplifying great work ethic and willingness to help others in the Athletic Training Rooms. As the sole Athletic Training Student working with the LSU Gymnastics team, RayLynne has been recognized for an exemplary and outstanding job while helping to care for 14 elite gymnasts. She always displays a positive attitude when fulfilling her duties at gymnastics such as implementing rehabilitation programs, daily treatments and doctor’s visits, as well as maintenance of the Athletic Training facilities. Most recently, RayLynne was selected to partcipate in an internship at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. While in Huntsville for a semester, she will be able to work directly under the Head Athletic Trainer at UAH, Jeff Kinard, and the UAH Ice Hockey Program.

Pilates

2009-12-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Pilates is an exercise program designed to both stretch and strengthen the body. A German man by the name of Joseph Pilates developed this program which was originally named “Contrology” in the early 1900’s. He developed this program during World War One as a method of helping rehabilitate injured soldiers who were bedridden. Joseph Pilates would take springs from the bed and connect them to the bed posts to allow the immobile patients some form of movement. This was the origin of the “Trap Table”. His theory was that lifestyle, bad posture, and inefficient breathing patterns were the root of poor health. His exercise regimen was directed towards improving overall flexibility and strength, correcting muscular imbalances, as well as incorporating proper breathing patterns. Joseph Pilates moved to the United States at the age of forty years old. He worked on perfecting his craft until his death in 1967 at the age of eighty three years old. It was said that Pilates would boast that he was ahead of the times. This statement was very true due to the 1980’s “Pilates” craze that swept the nation.

There is more than meets the eye to the art of Pilates. It is more that the commercialized series of exercise videos that we see across the nation. The true art of Pilates incorporates both mat and machine exercises to engage the body. The reformer table (pictured above) has been developed to aid the body in this regimen and is used in Pilates studios across the country. This table has been modified from the original sick beds that Pilates used and has a sliding carriage for a person to move back and forth on. The series of cables attached to the carriage allow for both assistive and resistive training. This allows for both healthy individuals as well as people with restrictions to safely engage in these exercises. Another machine used in the Pilates studios, the Cadillac (left), allows for more difficult movements by having bars and levers attached to the sides of the table to allow for other degrees of freedom.

The focus of Pilates is body positioning, alignment, posture, and proper breathing techniques, said Jude Chatelain, certified Pilates instructor and Program Director of Balanced Body in Baton Rouge. Jude has spent a number of years perfecting his craft and helping tons of people in the Baton Rouge community. He works both with fit people who just want to get into better shape, as well as patients coming in to the studio for a rehabilitative component.

The many benefits that result from Pilates can include:

An increase in overall flexibility and range of motion
An increase in strength and overall endurance
Indentify and address muscular imbalances
A decrease in overall stress levels

Why Pilates works so well is that it can be adjusted to meet each individuals needs and address their weaknesses. It can be used on all ages and genders. This program is actually very safe for older individuals with restrictions due to the assistive components that the tables offer. This regimen of exercise is outstanding for the athletic population as well. Many pro athletes use Pilates in combination with their other training routines to help with their overall flexibility and wellness.

Jude Chatelain recently came over to LSU to work with the Athletic Trainers in the instruction of the Pilates reformer table. LSU is fortunate to have a reformer table located in the Broussard Center for Athletic Training. Jude comes to LSU every few years to re-familiarize the new Athletic Trainers with the art of Pilates and the specific use of the Pilates Reformer Table. The in-service was specific to the treatment of lumbar spine and core muscular imbalances. He will be coming next semester to instruct on both an upper and lower extremity flexibility and strengthening routine.

Below are a few of both the stretching and stabilization exercises that can be incorporated into a Pilates routine, click the exercise to view a video:

For a video on breathing techniques, click here.

Much thanks to Jude Chatelain and Balanced Body. If anyone is interested in the Baton Rouge area in taking a class, please contact Jude at (225) 927- 2134.

For more information on the history of Pilates, click here.

Ana Gross, MS, ATC
Associate Athletic Trainer
Louisiana State University

Stephanie Garcia Receives the Acadian Ambulance Adam Sturlese Memorial Sports Medicine Award

2009-11-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

The family of Mr. Adam Sturlese, the founder of Acadian Ambulance, has joined with Acadian Ambulance, and donated a $2000 scholarship in his memory. Mr. Sturlese was a graduate of LSU in 1947 with a degree in Geology. As founder and owner of Acadian Ambulance, the family understands the importance that the medical community plays in the success of our football program. This scholarship represents the value that our Athletic Trainers play in the health of our student-athletes.

The recipient of this scholarship is voted most outstanding Football Athletic Training Student who possesses a strong work ethic and continues to excel in the field of Athletic Training regardless of obstacles. They have a positive attitude and a strong determination to work with their peers as a "team" not as an individual. They are appreciative of others and always offer a helping hand. They are role models in the classroom despite the hours that are devoted to the football and Athletic Training programs. This Athletic Training Student is relied upon and trusted by all Football Staff, Graduate Assistants, and fellow peers.

Congratulations to Stephanie Garcia, deserving recipient of this year's prestigious award!

Athletic Training Student of the Month

2009-11-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Erin Sutton! Erin was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month for exemplifying great work ethic and willingness to help others in the Athletic Training Rooms. As the sole Senior Athletic Training Student assisting with Football, Erin has been given many responsibilites and tasks in which she has excelled at completing. She is a very hard worker that is always willing to go above and beyond her required duties. Erin is just coming off a National Championship season with the Baseball team last year as well as a National Championship with the Women's Track team the year before.

Director of Athletic Training Jack Marucci says, "We have been very impressed with Erin's growth in her clinical skills this season with football. Her interest in rehabilitation, specifically through the recovery process with running back Richard Murphy, has been great to see. She has taken ownership in getting our athletes back in an efficient manner. She is well deserving."

Concussions: Q & A with Dr. Jeff Burnham

2009-11-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, can be defined as a transient disturbance of neurological function caused by head trauma. Common signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, visual disturbances, confusion, tinnitus, slurred speech, loss of balance, post-traumatic amnesia, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms are not generic, and vary between individuals. This variation in symptoms is due to the type of sport, position played, impact of the trauma, and other factors unique to the individual. Concussions are commonly graded on a scale of I, II, or III, depending on the pre-established guidelines used. The three most common guidelines used by Certified Athletic Trainers are the Cantu, AAN (American Academy of Neurology), and the CMS (Colorado Medical Society).

The majority of concussions in high school and collegiate sports occur in Football, however other sports here at LSU where concussions are common are Gymnastics, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Soccer.

Here at LSU, our primary Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Jeff Burnham, M.D. has a specific protocol that he uses to diagnose concussions and determine when the athlete can return to play. His protocol is based on the athlete’s signs and symptoms, and their progress of recovery.

Question and Answer with Dr. Jeff Burnham:

1. When evaluating an athlete that you suspect has a concussion, what are the first steps you take?
“The very first step is to evaluate the athlete’s general demeanor. It is important to note any abnormal behavior that is not common to the athlete’s normal everyday demeanor. To recognize these differences, it is important for the Athletic Trainer to know their athletes’ normal behaviors. Examples of this abnormal behavior include a vacant stare like a “deer in head lights”, talking unintelligibly, mumbling, lack of coordination, unusual quietness, confusion, and so on.”

See The Fencing Response to view a recent news report from ABC news on one sign that can occur from concussions.

2. What protocols do you use here at LSU to grade a concussion?
“I use a protocol called a Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) with patients at Burnham Family & Sports Medicine Clinic, as well as with the athletic teams here at LSU. The GSC is a list of symptoms such as: blurred vision, concentration problems, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, excessive fatigue, feeling foggy, headache, inappropriate emotions, irritability/nervousness, loss of consciousness, memory problems, nausea/vomiting, personality change, poor balance/coordination, seizures, sensitivity to light, sleep disturbances, and any others the patient may be experiencing. The athlete is instructed to grade the severity of the symptom they are experiencing at the following intervals: the time of the injury, 2-3 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours post-injury. Grading of the severity of the symptoms is as follows: 0=not present, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=most severe.”

“Following the GSC, I will perform a neurological exam, assessing cognitive function and cranial nerve assessment. If neurological exam is within normal limits, I will then perform balance/coordination tests, and lastly check the ability of the athlete to perform sport specific skills.”

For more information on Neurological, Cognitive, and Coordination Tests and a sample of the Graded Symptom Checklist, visit the NATA Position Statement for Management of Sport-Related Concussion

3. Is there a pre-established Grading Scale that you prefer to use?
“A combination of CANTU and American Academy of Neurology, but it is important to note that no general scale applies to every athlete because of variation in symptoms.”

Click here to view a table that compares the three guidelines. It is important to remember that if you suspect an athlete has a concussion, referral to a physician is necessary for further evaluation.

4. Since every athlete is different, and there are no generic signs and symptoms, how do you account for these differences when diagnosing and grading concussions?
“The most common SYMPTOMS are headache, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to noise and light, fogginess, and excessive fatigue. The most common SIGNS are photophobia when performing visual tests with a light, blank stare, unusual speech, balance, and mood or personality change. Some people get less or more talkative than usual; anything out of the ordinary behavior for that individual should be noted.”

5. Can you explain the ImPACTTM and any advantages and disadvantages that you find associated with the test?
“The ImPACTTM test is used to determine the athlete’s brain function AFTER symptoms have concluded. It also helps determine if the patient is experiencing Post-Concussion Syndrome. An initial baseline test must be performed to asses normal cognitive function for that individual athlete.”

“There are many advantages for this particular test because it assesses reaction time and concentration. It is OBJECTIVE. Other than the physical exam, we rely on the athlete to be truthful about signs and symptoms, but the ImPACTTM provides us with a more objective evaluation of the patient’s brain function. A disadvantage is that sometimes the concussed athletes do better on the repeat test than they do on the baseline test, because they take it more seriously, and really try hard to concentrate and pass the test. Also, there can be a learning curve associated with taking the ImPACTTM test multiple times for individuals having multiple concussions.”

For more information on the ImPACTTM, click here.

6. What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
“Post-Concussion Syndrome is when the athlete’s symptoms last for weeks, months, and even years after the initial concussion.”

To read a recent article on Post-Concussion Syndrome from the New York Times, see Ex-N.F.L. Executive Sounds Alarm on Head Injury

7. Briefly describe your Return to Play (RTP) criteria.
“Most important, there should be absolutely no return to activity as long as symptoms are still present. If the athlete had a Grade I concussion and signs and symptoms resolve within 20 minutes and stay resolved, the athlete may be able to RTP the same day if symptoms do not return with sideline exertion tests. A Grade II concussion, with or without Loss of Consciousness (LOC), will result in being held from activity that day. They need to be re-checked every few hours the first day and then periodically until symptoms resolve. Symptoms could last 48 hours to months. A Grade III concussion would include LOC, immobilization, and transportation. The same progression below would be used, but the time to start the progression would be substantially longer than with a Grade II concussion.”

“To assess ability to return to activity we follow this general guideline: once symptoms completely resolve, this graded activity progression can begin. At any time, if ANY symptoms return, activity is stopped and possibly resumed the next day with possible modifications.

Day 1, post symptoms: Ride bike (Level 1 or 2)
Day 2, if no symptoms return: Light jog for 5-10 minutes
Day 3, if no symptoms return: Non- Contact Sport-Specific Drills
Day 4, if no symptoms return: Return to sport with modifications and limited contact
Day 5, if no symptoms return: Full contact

Exceptions to this would include high school athletes (because of their still developing brain and high risk for further damage) and athletes with previous history of concussions. They will go through a slower progression plan in order to prevent further damage. In some situations cognitive as well as physical rest may be prescribed (e.g. no studying, video games, excessive texting, etc.).”

8. What are some ways to prevent concussions in contact sports like football?
“Remember, once an athlete experiences a concussion, the chances of sustaining another one increases 3-9x. As far as equipment, a good helmet fit is important. However, no specific helmet willtotally prevent a concussion. Your Equipment or Athletic Training Staff must be trained in the proper fit and use of helmets. It is important that the coaches and athletes are educated on good hitting techniques and rules such as no helmet-to-helmet contact or spearing.”

For more information on proper helmet fit, visit the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

9. Is there any other important evaluation information to know?
- “Most importantly, evaluate thoroughly, no return to play until symptoms cleared, and gradual progression checklist is performed after symptoms have resolved.”
- “While recovering from concussion, do not give strong pain medications or NSAIDs (such as Advil), because these will thin the athlete’s blood, and cause further bleeding and damage to the brain or mask severity of the concussion. Tylenol in small doses is the medication of choice.”
- “Athletes often think that no competition means they cannot participate in games or practices, and they think it is okay to lift weights. However, this is NOT okay. Lifting weights puts increased pressure on the brain, putting the brain at risk for further damage.”
- “There is new research being conducted on the effects of a concussion and a student-athlete’s ability to attend class regularly while recovering. This research indicates that, in certain instances, the athlete may need to be removed from classes and all concentration activities that engage the brain.”

A special thanks to Dr. Burnham for taking the time and allowing us to interview him for this month’s Tiger Talk!

LSU "Cans" the Bulldogs!

2009-10-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Recently the LSU Athletic Training Student Organization, Alpha Tau Sigma, was challenged by the University of Georgia’s Sports Medicine Club to a Food Drive Competition. The rules were to collect non-perishable food items in any manner that each organization chooses and then to donate what was collected to each school’s local food bank. LSU would donate to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and UGA would donate to the Northeast Georgia Food Bank. The winner would be decided based on the weight, in pounds, of food items collected, as this is how the food banks operate. Both schools were to collect for two weeks (September 13-27) and the winner would be announced at the LSU vs. UGA football game in Athens, October 3.

In an effort to “Can” the Bulldogs, the LSU Athletic Training Students came up with many different ideas on how to collect the most food items possible. In addition to collecting in our own Athletic Training Room, we teamed up with the CHAMPS/LifeSkills program at LSU and their annual food drive, and we also invited many local high schools that have Certified Athletic Trainers to participate as well. With a total of 11 high schools collecting, we would like to offer a HUGE thank you to Denham Springs High School for collecting the most food!!

The final result…LSU WINS! With the combined efforts of all the LSU Athletic Training Students and Staff, the CHAMPS/LifeSkills Program, and the 11 local high schools, LSU was able to collect 7,417 pounds of food items! The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has informed us that this is equivalent to 9,889 meals! Georgia was able to collect 844 pounds, making LSU the winner of the 1st Annual LSU vs. UGA Food Drive Competition.

The LSU Athletic Training Student Organization would like to offer a big thank you to the following organizations that participated in this competition: The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Jade Jenkins and all who helped with CHAMPS, Denham Springs High School, Parkview Baptist High School, Ascension Catholic High School, Central High School of Baton Rouge, The Dunham School, East Ascension High School, Istrouma High School, Plaquemine High School, St. Amant High School, St. Joseph’s High School, University Lab School, Walker High School, and White Castle High School.

We would also like to thank Troy Prevot and LUBA Workers Comp for their support as well as generous donation to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Please read articles before and after the competition from LSU's Daily Reveille.

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2009-10-06T06:27:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Danielle Davis! Danielle was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month for exemplifying great work ethic and willingness to help others in the Athletic Training Rooms. Danielle is a very hard worker that is always willing to go above and beyond her required duties. Her role as one of the Athletic Training Students that assists with the Football team definitely helps the Athletic Training Room in the Football Operations Building run smoothly on a daily basis. Danielle has previously worked with the Woman’s Basketball team, as she is in her second year in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program.

"Danielle has continued to establish herself as an up-incoming athletic trainer in terms of her level of commitment and her eagerness to learn while at Football. She has shown an interest in the rehabilitation protocols that are being created for our most recent surgery: ACL Reconstruction. The staff and Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers have appreciated her efforts and look forward to her continuing along this path." - Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer / Director of Wellness

The Hivamat

2009-10-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

The Hivamat is one of the newer modalities on the market that is gaining in popularity. This modality was initially designed in Germany for lymph edema patients. The Hivamat was and continues to be very successful in treating lymph edema patients. However, in the early 1990’s the modality began to be used on orthopedic patients.

Hivamat is an acronym for the following: Histological Variable Manual Technique. It is a deep oscillation modality that promotes muscle relaxation, alleviates pain, decreases swelling, and improves range-of-motion through a direct effect on the lymphatic system. This is the only modality on the market that focuses on the micro-circulatory system in interstitial tissue. The Hivamat produces a biphasic pulsed electrostatic field with mechanical vibration. The by- products of the injury process will accumulate and block the lymph channels which causes excess edema and predispose healthy tissue in the surrounding area to secondary cell death. This unique modality helps free lymphatic blockages allowing injured tissue to flourish in a more optimal environment for healing. The biphasic electrostatic field also helps in normalizing the pH of the tissue which also helps increase the healing rate of the injured tissue.

The Hivamat has become a valuable tool for treatment and rehabilitation of our athletes. All injuries are going to present with varying problems, but a modality that has a direct effect on the lymphatic system is invaluable. The hands-on treatment approach allows the clinician to keep the valuable “touch” component to quality care. With all the benefits the Hivamat has to offer, there are still some contraindications to the use of this modality. Patients with acute infections, malignant disease states, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, cardiac pacemakers, and electronic implants should not be treated with this modality.*

*Physiomed

Beau Lowery, MS, PT, ATC, SCS
Associate Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist

Louisiana State University

LSU Kinesiology Students Develop Skills with Professional Sports Teams

2009-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

BATON ROUGE – Three students in the LSU College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology had summers to remember, serving as interns for National Football League and Major League Baseball teams.

The NFL’s New York Giants invited Stephen Melancon, who interned in the 2008 training camp and preseason, to return this summer as the seasonal assistant athletic trainer for a full-year internship. Melancon, from Morgan City, is assisting the medical staff with numerous jobs including injury evaluation, packing medical supplies, rehabilitation of injuries, keeping track of medical records for the athletes, scheduling appointments with physicians and handling insurance claims.

The NFL’s Houston Texans hired Matt Rabalais for a six-week pre-season internship. Rabalais, from Baton Rouge, is working with their athletic training department performing tasks such as field set-up, rehabilitation assistance, taping and modalities.

Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers selected Noritoshi “Nolly” Shirawaka for a two-week internship to help the staff with daily treatment/rehabilitation and game coverage. Shirawaka, from Tokyo, Japan, also volunteered for five weeks as an athletic trainer for the Nippon Tornadoes basketball team. This team, which consisted of only Japanese players, participated in the American International Basketball League. Shirawaka assisted in the management of daily treatment, coordination of rehabilitation, first aid and emergency care.

“The athletic training program at LSU has produced several opportunities for its students to be able to participate as seasonal and summer interns for multiple NFL organizations throughout the years,” said Melancon. “I am only the most recent to have been given such an opportunity and definitely will not be the last. The kinesiology department as a whole is an outstanding organization that has prepared more than just great athletic trainers. It provides a solid platform for individuals who wish to be successful medical professionals.”

Collaboration between the LSU Athletic Department and the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology faculty proves instrumental in helping kinesiology students find placements as interns. They provide students with leads to possible employment opportunities and network with professional ball clubs. Clinical instructional staff assist students with resum?, job application, and interview preparation; writing letters of recommendation; and, most important, providing both the classroom and practical education that leads to success in sports medicine and athletic training careers. Such practical education includes clinical on-site work in orthopedics, family practice, pediatrics, surgery and other medical practices. These experiences, in addition to working with high school and university sports teams, give students the skills and on-the-job knowledge necessary to be a successful athletic trainer.

“LSU provides the educational background needed to be able to take the information given and apply it in real-world settings,” said Melancon.

Melancon is involved in the athletic training student organization Alpha Tau Sigma. He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in athletic training and a minor in sports studies. He currently plans to attend graduate school and return to an NFL organization as a full-time staff athletic trainer.

Rabalais is also a member of Alpha Tau Sigma. He plans to go on to graduate school and from that experience decide which environment will best suit him.

Shirakawa’s short-term goal is to work as an athletic trainer in the United States and establish his career for 10 years or more.

“After that, I want to bring back my experiences developed in the States to my country and develop a well-organized athletic training program in Japan,” he said.

To be recognized as a certified athletic trainer, a candidate must first graduate from an accredited program and then pass the board of certification examination. Once the exam is passed, then the candidate must fulfill the requirements for the state in which they wish to practice. Eighty-seven percent of LSU students pass the board exams on their first attempt, according to Ray Castle, assistant professor and director of the athletic training concentration in the Department of Kinesiology. The national average is 51.5 percent.

For more information on the College of Education’s athletic training major, contact Castle at rcastl1@lsu.edu or 225-578-7175.

http://appl003.lsu.edu/unv002.nsf/9faf000d8eb58d4986256abe00720a51/0cc5405b8c5166cc8625761d006682d6?OpenDocument

LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

2009-09-01T06:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Craig Chellette! Craig was voted on by the LSU Athletic Training Staff and Certified Graduate Assistants to be the Athletic Training Student of the Month for exemplifying great work ethic and willingness to help others in the Athletic Training Rooms. He is always willing to exceed his required responsibilities in order to help others so that our Athletic Training Rooms are able to run smoothly on a daily basis. Craig is in his second year in the LSU Athletic Training Education Program and is currently working with our Football program after just coming off of a National Championship season with our Baseball team.

ATC: Correct Terminology

2009-09-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

NATA News, June 2009 issue

NATA and the Board of Certification are joining forces to remind athletic trainers how to use “ATC” correctly. “ATC” refers to the credential held by a certified athletic trainer, or AT. “ATC” should not be used in singular or plural form (ATC or ATCs) when referring to an individual athletic trainer or a group of ATs.

The proper acronym to use when referring to a certified athletic trainer is AT. The proper acronym to use when referring to two or more certified athletic trainers is ATs (with no apostrophe). It is appropriate to list ATC (without the registered trademark symbol) after the name of a certified athletic trainer.

√ Correct: John Doe, ATC, passed the certification exam.
√ Correct: John Doe is an AT in the secondary school setting.
X Incorrect: John Doe is an ATC.

Do not use the following terms: ATCs, ATC’s, A.T.C., ATC/L (or any variation of ATC in combination with another phrase). These constitute trademark violation.

NATA Policy on ATC Terminology:
“NATA’s policy is not to use the ATC acronym as a noun. ‘ATC’ is an acronym that describes a credential, not a person, and it should only be used following the name of a certified individual. Using the ATC acronym as a noun inhibits the Board of Certification’s ability to protect the ATC credential against misuse.”

LSU Staff Recognized in Local and National News

2009-08-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Senior Associate Athletic Trainer and Director of Wellness, Shelly Mullenix, was recognized in 225 Magazine in the August 1, 2009 issue.

“When tough guys fall they call Shelly Mullenix”

"Even the most diehard LSU football fan might not have heard of her, but the players who take the field each Saturday in the fall know her name…. Mullenix is the busy mother of twins, and in some ways to a whole team of young men who rely on her, too."

Please click here to read the whole story.
_ _ _ _ _

The Baton Rouge Business Report featured a story July 27, 2009 on the Marucci Bat Company.

“Going batty”

"… He bought a shed, 6 feet by 9 feet, and put it in his backyard. Marucci started making more bats, and people started buying them… Marucci applied for league approval in 2005. The commissioner’s office called and asked for basic information. After Marucci provided his home address, he was asked for his company address. There was silence, followed by multiple clarifications asking for the location of the bat company…Marucci laughs as he recalls his response: 'You’re welcome to come down and take a look. It’s a 6-by-9 building in my backyard.'…'You know you’re pretty big when you have to buy a forklift,' Marucci says, laughing."

Please click here to read the entire article.
_ _ _ _ _

Cramer Sports Med wrote a story on Andy Barker, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer, about his contribution of our inventory system to the LSU Athletic Training Department.

"Andy Barker, ATC: Resourceful problem-solver creates inventory control system"

"Andy Barker, ATC, of Louisiana State University, is quite the do-it-yourselfer. He wanted an inventory management system for his department--and when a deal to purchase one didn't work out, he just built a system himself! He says it has increased efficiency and leaves him with more time to spend with his athletes."

Please click here to read the entire story.
_ _ _ _ _

Past articles on the Marucci Bat Co.

The Advocate wrote an article on the merging of Albin Athletics with the Marucci Bat Co. April 5, 2009. “Hoping For a Homerun”

From USA Today, February 11, 2008: “Bat man of Louisiana finds way to majors by accident”

LSU Kinesiology Students Earn Athletic Trainer Honors

2009-07-12T09:17:00.001-07:00

BATON ROUGE – Several athletic trainer awards were granted to students and faculty from the LSU College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology.

Senior Noritoshi Shirakawa was awarded the 2009 National Athletic Trainers’ Association, or NATA, Research and Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, worth $2,300. Shirakawa will accept the award at the 2009 NATA Annual Meeting in San Antonio on June 20. Shirakawa met the criteria for eligibility as a student member of NATA who has 3.2 or higher GPA. The scholarship is sponsored by a certified athletic trainer.

Senior Erin Greenwich was appointed the Louisiana Representative of the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, or SEATA, Student Senate for the 2009-2010 school year. Greenwich is the President of Alpha Tau Sigma, the LSU athletic training student organization. She attended the Collegiate Sports Medicine Foundation’s Leadership Workshop in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in May 2009. Greenwich was one of 20 students invited to attend and one of two students from District Nine.

Ray Castle, assistant professor at LSU and director of the athletic training education concentration, won the 2009 SEATA Education Administration Award. According to the SEATA website, the award was presented to a member “that is committed to teaching athletic training skills and functioning in a leadership capacity at an institution.” Castle is also a professional member of NATA and LATA, the Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association.

http://appl003.lsu.edu/UNV002.nsf/(NoteID)/B40383CF758A0B4E862575D200659196?OpenDocument