SWOSU Athletic Training Staff Wins Honors

February 13, 2006

Richardson, TX - The Southwestern Oklahoma State University athletic training staff has received recognition by the Lone Star Conference as the North Division’s best for the completed 2004-05 season. The inaugural award was voted on by the league’s 15 head athletic trainers at their annual meeting last month in Dallas.

The SWOSU athletic training staff, under the direction of Michael Catterson, was recognized for their outstanding effort and service, not only to the school’s student-athletes and coaches, but also assisting with visiting team’s needs and servicing as outstanding hosts.

"It's a great honor for our staff to be recognized by our peers in the Lone Star Conference,” Catterson said. “Our goal has always been to deliver top-notch care to our student-athletes and a quality education to our students.

“A lot of the people share in this award. We have great support from our students, coaches, administrators and physicians who have helped our Athletic Training Education Program be such as success.”

The award is the first to be presented by the LSC and is designed to raise awareness of the athletic training profession. Criteria for the award include hospitality, preparedness with supplies, equipment and services for visitors, preparedness for emergency situations and overall care for injured athletes.

SWOSU’s Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is designed to impart a structured clinical education that will develop personal and professional excellence. The program directs students to grasp athletic training theory while encouraging competent and practical skills development under the university’s School of Allied Health.