Questions with Doug Jones ..........

DJ: I think it is hard to imagine what sports would be like without athletic trainers. I think you’ll see a lot more injuries and a lot less people being able to enjoy sports.

MR: Why did you want to be an athletic trainer and when did you realize that was your calling?

DJ: I originally wanted to become a physical therapist, but became interested in becoming an athletic trainer during my freshman year of college. I have spent some time in the training room and really took a liking to what they did. I wasn’t sure that was my calling, but it was something I could see myself doing for a long time.

MR: How did you come about working at WNCC as an athletic trainer?

DJ: I moved back to Scottsbluff in 2006 with the hopes of finding something to do. It just so happens that Jennifer Pedersen who was the AD at the time brought me in and met with Tim Alvarez, and they gave me the opportunity to start working with WNCC.

MR: What are the hardest parts of being an athletic trainer?

DJ: One of the hardest parts for me is only being able to work with our athletes for two years, sometimes less. I really enjoy getting to know the athletes. Another hard part is when you have to give bad news to an athlete. That never gets any easier.

MR: How hard was it being an athletic trainer during the COVID pandemic?

DJ: During the pandemic, it was a challenge to be an athletic trainer. Especially during the shut down in March 2020. I was used to working baseball and softball at this point, but suddenly we were sent home with nothing to do. It took a toll on me mentally, not being able to do my job, and what I was trained to do.

MR: How much has technology changed for athletic trainers over the years and how do you keep up with all the technology?

DJ: Technology hasn’t changed a whole lot, but we are in a more digital world, and things are more digital. We can get information much quicker and relay messages faster.

MR: What are the best parts of being an athletic trainer?

DJ: I think some of the best parts of being an athletic trainer are getting to know the athletes, being able to be there for them, and really developing those relationships. I also really enjoy seeing them return to the field or court after an injury.

MR: Have you ever had to have a sitdown, heart-to-heart talk with an athlete and tell them their sports is finished, and if so, how hard is that for you or an athletic trainer?

DJ: I’ve only ever had to do that twice, and neither time was very easy. I don’t think it will ever get any easier to tell an athlete that horrific news. As much as you want to help, sometimes there’s only so much you can do. The good news is that both athletes I had to give this news to went on to have good lives and careers.

MR: Have you ever become teary-eyed during your time as an athletic trainer with emotion?

DJ: There have been a couple times. Usually I try to save that when I can get away.

MR: What does it take to become an athletic trainer?

DJ: To become an athletic trainer, you need to, now, have a masters degree in athletic training. It also takes a person with time management, patience, and a desire to help others. Many other skills, come in handy, such as professional curiosity, and a sense of humor.

MR: Where did you learn to become an