s
Adrian College Adds Certified Athletic Trainers to the Press Box Adrian College made a significant move to enhancing player-safety measures during athletic events. On Oct. 4, the Bulldogs had an additional set of eyes watching every play, not to spot the penalties, but rather to watch for potential injuries. During the Homecoming football game against Olivet, the College positioned a certified athletic trainer in the press box acting as an “eye in the sky,” as the National Football League labeled it three seasons ago. “While all levels of football are looking to do a better job at spotting medical concerns, this approach is really unprecedented in our league,” said Mike Duffy ‘82, athletic director for Adrian College. The ATC (athletic trainer, certified) is required to be certified by the national Board of Certification and licensed in the state of Michigan. The spotter maintains a full view of the field with the ability to identify players who may require further evaluation, and can communicate any concerns immediately through a headset to the athletic training personnel on the sidelines. Should a player require attention, they are pulled and evaluated to ensure they can continue to play. “In collaboration with Professor Vic Liberi, MS, AT, ATC, CSCS, STS and our continual awareness and concern for the safety of our athletes, it became apparent we needed to follow suit,” Jamie Fetter MS, AT, ATC, head athletic trainer said, regarding the implementation of the program. “It is reassuring to know that we have that additional set of eyes watching the plays. While initially the focus was on concussions, there is a significant benefit to being able to identify other potential injuries and keeping our players safe.”
Adrian College Athletic Director Mike Duffy took to the field in August in support of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
New York Times Article Features Bass Fishing Team When administrators at Adrian College in Michigan, an NCAA Division III program in other sports, decided to initiate a bass fishing team last winter, they went all out. They hired a full-time coach, Seth Borton, and enlisted topline sponsors like Ranger boats and Mercury motors to put together one of the nation’s finest fleets. They even designed merchandise, Borton said, and sold out more than 140 T-shirts within the first few weeks bearing the logo for Bulldog bass fishing. “There’s 100 percent an opportunity for us to bring in funds, for sure,” Borton said, adding, “The team essentially becomes a product that you’re able to sell.” Excerpt reprinted with permission. Schonbrun, Zach. “Collegiate Fishing’s Added Lure: Cash on the Line”. Oct. 17, 2014
State Line Observer
Toledo Blade
Detroit Free Press
New York Times
Read more at adrian.edu/news
•••• 32
CO N TAC T
FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 -1 5