Christmas with the Tigers

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

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

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

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:

• Kneeling Runner Stretch
• Elephant Stretch
• Monkey Stretch
• Bridges with Side Shift
• Figure 8’s
• Knees in Straps

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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LSU Athletic Training Student of the Month

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

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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.



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