Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame

1. Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame

2. Byron “Jack” Bird 1994 Inductee Byron began his association with athletics as a football player at Oklahoma State University. He then enlisted in the Marines where he served as an officer with distinction, lost his leg to artillery fire, and was highly decorated for his service. He then returned to athletics and served as an Athletic Trainer for the Los Angeles Dons for one year. In 1950, Byron returned to Oklahoma State as Assistant Athletic Trainer. In 1961, he was appointed Head Athletic Trainer and served OSU athletes until his death in 1983. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1979.

3. Charles Cramer 1994 Inductee Chuck Cramer was the founder and a Board member of Cramer Products, Inc. As a sporting goods industry pioneer he developed the concept of athletic injury care. Cramer was a founder of the National Sporting Goods Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. At the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Chuck, his brother Frank, and three other Athletic Trainers were the first athletic trainers to serve at the Olympics. Cramer is a member of the National Sorting Goods Association Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Helms (now the NATA) Hall of Fame in 1962.

4. Frank Cramer 1994 Inductee In 1929, Frank Cramer joined the recently founded Cramer Chemical Company. He served as President of this company for 25 years. His enthusiastic promotion of the sporting goods industry resulted in his induction to the Sporting Goods Dealers Hall of Fame in 1956. He served on the Medical Committee of the U.S. Olympics for 16 years. He also published many articles and lectured on Athletic Training throughout the world. He is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and, in 1962, was inducted into the Helms (now the NATA) Hall of Fame.

5. Oliver J. De Victor 1994 Inductee “Doc Ollie”, as the athletes knew him, began his career as an athletic trainer with the Penn State Nittany Lions in 1912. Later, he moved to Pittsburgh and, then, on to Washington University in St. Louis. In 1935, “Doc Ollie” joined the University of Missouri where he cared for, educated, and inspired athletes for 25 years. During his career, Ollie readied athletes for nine bowl games. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1962.

6. Arthur D. Dickinson 1994 Inductee Art Dickenson served as the Head Track and Field Coach at the University of Northern Iowa for 35 years. He was a noted authority on training techniques throughout the country. Art also was an Associate Professor of Physical Education, authored several publications, held offices in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Faculty Men’s Club, and many other organizations. In 1965, he was inducted into the Helms (now the NATA) Hall of Fame.

7. James H. Johnston 1994 Inductee “Little Doc” began his athletic training career in 1910, at Oklahoma City Central High School, volunteering for his high school track team. He studied at a school of Physiotherapy in Kansas City and Ball Clinic at Excelsior, MO. In the 1930’s he managed the health club at Oklahoma City YMCA. In 1942, he became Athletic Trainer at the Naval Air Station in Norman, OK. In 1946, “Little Doc” began his career at Oklahoma State University. “Little Doc” retired from OSU in 1962 but, was often found in the training room serving as “Trainer Emeritus” after this. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1967.

8. Bruce Melin 1994 Inductee Bruce Melin received his Bachelor’s Degree (1944) and Master’s Degree (1948) from the University if Minnesota. In 1949, he joined the Washington University Bears staff as a Faculty member and Athletic Trainer. He retired from Washington University in 1977, having served for 28 years. After his retirement, he continued working as Athletic Trainer and Professor Emeritus. In 1974 Melin was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame. In 1984, he was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame. In 1986, he received the Washington University Interfraternity Council Performance in Teaching Award for superior teaching. In 1980, he was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame.

9. Laurence Morgan 1994 Inductee “Porky”, as he was known to athletes and friends, began his career as an athletic trainer as a freshman in high school at East Moline, Illinois High School in 1935. He enrolled at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa and served as Student Athletic Trainer. He then went to The Citadel as Head Athletic Trainer before joining the Army. In 1946, he returned to St. Ambrose until 1951 when he joined the Athletic Training staff at Kansas State University. He served as Athletic Trainer at KSU for 24 years. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1974.

10. Dean Nesmith 1994 Inductee “Deaner”, as he was affectionately known by the KU Athletes, began his career with the University of Kansas Athletic Department as a freshman football player in1933. Following three years at tackle for KU, he played for the New York Yankees (football) team in 1936. In 1937, he returned to KU to finish his degree and work as a Student Athletic Trainer. In 1938, Nesmith was appointed the Head Athletic Trainer and served the position for 46 years. He was inducted into the Helms (now the NATA) Hall of Fame in 1971.

11. Ken Rawlinson 1994 Inductee Ken began his career in athletic training as a student at the University of Illinois. He held his first Head Athletic Trainer position at William and Mary College then, moved on to Lafayette College. In 1953, Ken became the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Oklahoma where he served until 1979. In 1960, Ken worked with the U.S. Olympic Team in Rome, Italy. He published many articles and, authored Modern Athletic Training. He was selected Rockne Club Trainer of the Year in 1959 he was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1968.

12. Paul Schneider 1994 Inductee “Schnitz”, as he was known to Nebraska Cornhusker fans, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska following World War II. “Schnitz” served on the University of Nebraska Athletic Training Staff for 33 years. He served as Assistant Athletic Trainer from 1948-1952. In 1952, he became the Head Athletic Trainer and served until 1977. From 1977-1981 he served as Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director. Schneider helped found the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in which he served as Secretary-Treasurer and as member of the Board of Directors. In 1977 he received the KFOR Sportsman of the Year Award and in 1978 he received the Nebraska Hall of Fame Merit Award. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1985.

13. Warren Arial 1995 Inductee “Floogie” has provided many years of service to the NATA and the profession of Athletic Trainers. He began his career as a Student Athletic Trainer at Wofford College. He then became Head Athletic Trainer at Wofford. He took special Physio- Therapy training at Eastern Medical Aids in New York. He then worked as an Athletic Trainer at Gardner Webb College, and Wake Forest University before moving to Iowa State University. He served as the District 5 Exhibits Chairman from 1959-1972. “Floogie” is thought to be a great entertainer, and therefore, has been popular as a lecturer and promoter in the field of athletic training methods to coaches, physicians, and athletic trainers. After leaving ISU Warren worked as an Athletic Trainer with Indiana University, the New Orleans Saints, and the Houston Oilers. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1977. He also has been selected as the Knute Rochne Trainer of the Year, inducted into the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame, and the Wofford Athletic Hall of Fame.

14. Roland “Duke” Larue 1995 Inductee “Duke” began his athletic training career at Michigan State University following a career as coach and biology teacher. He earned a degree in Physical Therapy and then joined “Pinky” Newell at Purdue. Next, he became the Head Athletic Trainer at Western Illinois University. While in District 4 he served as an officer for 8 years. Duke has served as an athletic trainer in many National and International events. In 1978, Duke joined the staff at the University of Nebraska. In 1990 he was inducted into the N.A.T.A. Hall of Fame and in 1992 received the George F. Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year Award in Nebraska.

15. Roland Logan 1995 Inductee “Kickapoo” began his career at the University of Kansas as a football player. In 1930 he became an Assistant Coach and the university’s Athletic Trainer. He worked in this position for 22 years. After leaving Kansas, he worked at West Point Military Academy, Pittsburgh University, and with the Boston Red Sox. He has invented and manufactured over 2 dozen athletic products and co-authored a textbook. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1971. He also has been awarded a medal by the American Institute of Fine Art.

16. Al Ortolani 1995 Inductee Al has served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Pittsburgh State University in Kansas since 1955. He has, throughout the years, served at numerous National and International events including the World University Games, Olympics, Girl’s Cup, USA Olympic Sports Festival, Pan American Games, and with AAU National Teams. Al was named the District 10 “Baseball Coach of the Year” in 1965. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1985, The N.A.T.A. Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Pittsburgh State Hall of Fame.

17. C.F. Randall 1995 Inductee “Frank” began his career in Athletic Training at New Mexico State in 1962. He also served at New Mexico Military Academy and Idaho University prior to beginning his career at Iowa State University in 1970. During his career at ISU Frank has been an impetus in the growth and development of the MAATA. He has served as a District 5 Officer, on many committees, and also as historian. Frank has added to our profession through his publications, presentations, and research. He was instrumental in the passing of The Athletic Trainer’s Act in Iowa. In 1991, Frank was inducted into the N.A.T.A. Hall of Fame.

18. John Dudley Rockwell 1995 Inductee “Jack” Began his career as an Athletic Trainer for the Bremerton Bluejackets Baseball Western International League and the Olympic Junior College in Washington in 1948. In 1950, he became the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the University of Kansas. In 1969, he became the Head Athletic Trainer for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1974, he joined the Southern California WFL. He was President and co-founder of the PFATS, an NATA Executive Secretary, and on the U.S. Olympic Selection. Jack, as an Athletic Trainer has traveled to Russia, Holland, West Germany, China, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. In 1977, he was inducted into the N.A.T.A. Hall of Fame.

19. Wayne Rudy 1995 Inductee Wayne began his career as an Athletic Trainer at Waite High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1943. He then moved on to Southern Methodist University. He was a founding member of the SWATA, a National Director for District 6 and served as Head Athletic Trainer with the Dallas Texans (A.P.L.). In 1963, he became the Head Athletic Trainer for the Kansas City Chiefs and served there for 21 years. He was a founding member of the PFATS. In 1974, he was inducted into the N.A.T.A. Hall of Fame, in 1975, the Bowling Green State University Hall of Fame, in 1984, the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. Hall of Fame, and 1986, the SWATA Hall of Fame.

20. George F. Sullivan 1995 Inductee George began his career as a Student Athletic Trainer at the University of Nebraska in 1949. In 1953, he became Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer at the University of Nebraska. In 1977, he was named as the Head Athletic Trainer, a position which he still holds today. Throughout his career he has served at 33 Nebraska Bowl Games, and several National and International events. George has served on numerous committees and Boards, offered numerous presentations and publications, and worked to establish licensure in the state of Nebraska. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1978, The Husker Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1993, and received the M.E. Sacksteder Award for Contributions to Physical Therapy and Education in the state of Nebraska in 1984.

21. Fred A. Wappel 1995 Inductee Fred began his Athletic Training career as an assistant at the University of Missouri in 1955. In 1958 he was appointed the Head Athletic Trainer. During his tenure at Mizzou, Fred has served at 11 post-season Bowl games. Fred has served the NATA as District Director and National Convention Chairman of the Clinical Program. He has offered many presentations and publications to advance our profession. In Missouri he was a sponsor of the Governmental Review Committee and influential in the passing of legislation for Athletic Trainers in the state. He was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 1986, Missouri Hall of Fame in 1984, and recognized as Trainer of the Year by the Rockne Foundation in 1961.

22. James Booher 1996 Inductee Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree from Nebraska Wesleyan, his PT Degree from the Mayo Clinic, his MA in HPER at SDSU, and his PHD at the University of Utah. He began his career as an Athletic Trainer at SDSU where he has been instrumental in establishing the Athletic Training Major. Jim served as the District 5 Secretary/ Treasurer and then as District 5 Director 1990-1993. He has been as active publisher of articles and textbooks. Jim was a charter member of the SDATA as well as serving as the group’s first President. He was a key figure in the development of the SD licensure law and the regulation of Athletic Trainers in the state. Jim has been a leader in the American Heart Association, the South Dakota Emergency Medical Technicians Association, the South Dakota Association of HPERD, and the Brookings CPR Committee. Jim was chosen by his peers to be inducted into the SDATA Hall of Fame in 1990 and he received the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 1994.

23. Denis F. Isrow 1996 Inductee “Izzy” is professor of Physical Education and Athletic Training at North Dakota State University. Izzy received his bachelor’s Degree from Adams State College in 1963, Master’s Degree from NDSU in 1965, and Doctorate from the University of Utah in 1975. Izzy served as the District 5 Secretary/Treasurer from 1981-1984 and as the District 5 Director from 1984-1987. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the ND Special Olympics (1986-90) and as the President of the North Dakota Association of HPERD (1988-89). Izzy was selected as a Preferred Professor by the Mortar Board National Honor Society in 1986, 1987, and 1989. He was inducted into the North Central Conference Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the Special Recognition Award from the ND High School Coaches Association in 1992.

24. Ronald L. VanDam 1997 Inductee “Doc” has provided many years of service to athletes, coaches and students in Central Missouri. Ron began his career as an Athletic Trainer, Teacher, and Coach in Quincy, MI. He then continued his career in Madison, Indiana as an English Teacher; Tennis. Assistant Wrestling, and Assistant Football Coach; and Athletic Trainer. In 1965 Ron moved to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana where he also coached, taught, and was the Athletic Trainer. Ron then settled in Warrensburg, Missouri in 1969. During his tenure as Athletic Trainer at Central Missouri State University Ron has also been a Professor of Physical Education. He has shared his knowledge through workshops, publications, lectures, and the classroom with many successful students, area coaches, athletes and his peers. He assisted in writing, lobbying, and eventual passage of the MO state legislation for Athletic Trainers. He serves on the MSHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Board. In 1983-85 Ron was the President of the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. In 1988 he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Medicine Hall of Fame. In 1994 he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

25. John A. Baxter 1998 Inductee John A. Baxter has had a long list of honors and awards bestowed upon him over his very successful and illustrious career. He has served as President of the Kansas Athletic Trainers Society and was instrumental in getting legislation passed to allow for registration of Athletic Trainers in Kansas. He is a tremendous educator, and has helped many student athletic trainers into careers in athletic training. His giving, caring personality has helped many people. He is a great people-person who humbles himself for others, a true professional. He has directed student camps and lectured at numerous sports medicine seminars. He is also a leader in the community with endless energy and enthusiasm. His guidance and service to the field of athletic training is also evident by his work within the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. John has served as athletic trainer for the NAIA’s men’s basketball championship for 25 years and was awarded the Cramer Award for distinguished service to the championship. He has also been selected for the NAIA Hall of Fame and The ESU (Emporia State University) Athletic Hall of Fame. Al Ortalani, past MAATA Hall of Fame Recipient sums up John’s commitment to athletic training with this quote: “John has always put the other person ahead of himself and has always been generous with his time. I could go on citing incident after incident where he has been a credit to our profession, but I will sum it all up by saying that, John is a trainer’s trainer.”

26. Clint Thompson 1999 Inductee Clint Thompson has been a great contributor to the Athletic Training Profession in many aspects. It all started in Lubbock, Texas April 1, 1938. Clint graduated from Ysleta High School in 1956. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. Clint became an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Michigan State University in 1964. He worked as an assistant and completed his Master of Arts degree while doing so from 1967 to 1969. Clint became interested in the NATA journal and in 1970 became editor for the journal. A position which he still holds today. Clint decided to branch out and was employed at Colorado State University from 1970 to 1973. After his experience at Colorado State, he returned to East Lansing where he became the coordinator of Athletic Training at Michigan State University. From 1973-1985 he was instrumental in developing a fine athletic training program at Michigan State as well as authoring many articles in the NATA journals. In 1985, to the present, Clint has been the Head Athletic Trainer/Instructor at Truman State University. He carries with him to Kirksville, MO many years of experience and membership in the NATA. He has traveled extensively to Australia promoting athletic training through many published works and lecturing. Clint has received the NATA service award for contributions made to the NATA and the Michigan Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.

27. Wayne Wagner 1999 Inductee Wayne Wagner has served the field of Athletic Training as a teacher and athletic trainer for the past 41 years. He has published articles in the NATA Journal and served as site administrator and proctor for the NATABOC for the past 10 years Wayne started at Omaha University upon his discharge from the Army Air Corp. He was a student in the college of education and played on the football team. He was injured his sophomore year and the team physician recognized his work ethic and encouraged him to stay on as their athletic trainer as there was no staff athletic trainer at the university at the time. Upon graduation from Omaha University in 1955, Wayne stayed at the university for one year until he accepted a job at Westside High School (Omaha) as a teacher/athletic trainer. In 1957 he joined the NATA and stayed at Westside High School until 1967. Wayne returned to Omaha University as an assistant professor/athletic trainer. In 1968 he went to Indiana University to receive his Master’s degree in Health and Safety with a Major in Athletic Training. Wayne then moved back to Omaha to attend the Nebraska University of Omaha (formally called Omaha University) until 1985. Wayne found himself next at Creighton University for five years until 1990 when he was given an opportunity to set up the Sports Medicine Program of his dreams at Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Wayne stayed full-time with Methodist until his retirement in 1995.

28. Danny Foster 2000 Inductee From 1974-1986, Dan earned and enjoyed several national championships while serving as Wrestling Team Athletic Trainer. He has authored chapters in a variety of modern sports medicine texts and published journal articles dealing with athletic training education, quality control, weight loss in wrestlers, and wound care in sports. From 1980 to 1990 Dan served the MAATA on the District Program Committee for several years, chairing it twice, and served on the Executive Committee from 1992 to1994. From 1990 to present he has held active membership on the Joint Review Committee for the Occupation of Athletic Training (JRC-AT), a CAAHEP Committee, with specific focus on self-study review material and on-site visitation activities. Dan currently is Vice-chairman of the Iowa Licensing Board of Athletic Training.

29. Kathy English 2001 Inductee Kathy English has administered the athletic training program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney since 1981. English received her undergraduate education from Southeast Community College (1976), and Kearney State College (1979), and her Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University (1980). She then returned to Kearney, Nebraska and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. From 1981-93, English served as the Head Athletic Trainer and a Lecturer. English was responsible for providing athletic training services for 16 NCAA 11 sports, administered the athletic training program, and served as a faculty member. English presently serves as the Director of Athletic Training Services, and is a lecturer within the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies. English is an active member in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association, and is a charter member of the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers’ Association. She is also a member of the Board of Examiners: Athletic Training; State of Nebraska Department of Health, a member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary, and Phi Eta Sigma National Honorary. In 1989, English received the George Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year Award presented by the NSATA. She served as Chair of the MAATA College/University Student Athletic Trainer Committee from 1989-93.

30. Keith Fitzpatrick 2001 Inductee Keith Fitzpatrick has been providing care to high school athletes for over 40 years. Fitzpatrick attended Trinity High School in Sioux City, Iowa, then attended college at Morningside College and finished at the University of Iowa. Fitzpatrick started his athletic training career with the Sioux City Soos from 1950-53. Fitzpatrick then served as a physical therapist in Omaha, Nebraska and Mitchell, South Dakota from 1954-93. Beginning in 1957, Fitzpatrick also served as athletic trainer for Notre Dame High School. In 1970, he became the Head Athletic Trainer at Mitchell High School in Mitchell, South Dakota, continuing until 1992. Today he still works as an athletic trainer for Mitchell High School and a therapist for Avera St. Benedict Healthcare Center in Parkston, SD. Fitzpatrick is a very active man, serving as a consultant to the athletic training program at Dakota Wesleyan University and as a clinical instructor for Cramer workshops over the years. Fitzpatrick has also been very active in the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association. Fitzpatrick is a charter member, and served as Vice President from 1977-81 and President from 1982-85. During that time he helped co-chair the Athletic Trainers Bylaw and Legislative Committee. Fitzpatrick was also a charter member of the South Dakota Physical Therapy Association and served as Vice President (1966-67) and President (1968-70). Fitzpatrick is an active member in the American College of Sports Medicine, the Mitchell High School Quarterback Club, Dakota Wesleyan University Teammakers, and Holy Family Catholic Church. He has been active in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1948, and with the Boy Scouts, as a Troop Leader from 1960-1977.

31. Jeff Fair 2002 Inductee Dr. Fair has been in the profession of Athletic Training since 1966 when he began his student athletic trainer experiences. During these years he has been highly active in the service area to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). He is a 25-year award Recipient, Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award winner in 1994, Liaison for the NATA, and served on the Journal committee for 10 years. A large portion of his career to date was spent at Oklahoma State University where he was instrumental in getting the Oklahoma Licensure Law passed. He has patented several invention that assist in injury prevention in the “Cowboy Collar”. His greatest accomplishment is his long time relationship with his wife and family of two sons who are officers in the United States Army.

32. Craig Holz 2003 Inductee Craig Holz is a native Nebraskan born in North Platte. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with his Bachelor’s of Art and received his Master’s of Science in Athletic Training from Central Missouri State University. For the past 27 years he has served as a physiology teacher/athletic trainer at Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Craig was one of the founding fathers on the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association in 1980. He has served as President, Secretary-Treasurer and has been on various other committees through out the years. He has been very active within the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association where he has served as chairman of the exhibit committee for the districts annual convention, chairman of the spring symposium committee and a presenter at the National convention in Kansas City. He is the recipient of the George Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year (1998), 25-year service award (NATA) and Who’s Who Among American Teachers several times. He has worked numerous Olympic events all across the world. He is a member of the NATA since 1973, National Education Association since 1976. Craig’s proudest professional accomplishment has been his student athletic trainer program and the many student athletic trainers who have been in the program and gone on to a variety of health careers. His greatest source of pride is Julia his wife, daughter Kara and son Andy.

33. Jerry Weber 2003 Inductee Jerry Weber a native Nebraskan from Sidney received his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He earned his Physical Therapy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and a Master’s of Science from Western Illinios. He has been an instructor and Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 1977 ranging from instructor to Associate Director of Athletic Medicine. He helped in establishing the athletic training licensure for the state of Nebraska. Weber is a member of the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport and is the NCAA liaison to the National Athletic Trainers Association’s College/University Athletic Trainers Committee. He has been a very active member within the district serving in various appointments for 13 years with 3 of those years as District President and on the NATA Board of Directors. In the fall of 2001, the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame honored Weber when he received the Lyle Bremser Special Merit Award. He is a 25 year award recipient (NATA), George Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year (1990, NSATA), and 20 year service award (NSATA).

34. Ed Crowley 2005 Inductee Ed Crowley spent 31 years as the Director of Athletic Training Services and Head Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Iowa. Crowley joined the Iowa Athletic Department staff in 1973 after serving one-year stints as the assistant athletic trainer at Purdue (1972-72) and Iowa (1971-72), and two years (1969-71) at West Point Military Academy, where he worked with Bobby Knight. Crowley in 1997 received the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award for major contributions to the National Athletic Training Association. Ed has been a long-time member of the American Physical Therapists Association. He was the honor and awards director for the District Five Mid-America Athletic Trainers Association. He was chairman of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Licensure Committee from 1982-89. He has served as review editor for the Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy, Spine Magazine and the Journal of Athletic Training. Ed is presently the chair of the National Hall of Fame Committee. Crowley earned all-state honors in 1963 as a running back at Marian Central (Woodstock, IL) High School. He lettered at Purdue and was a member of the 1967 Rose Bowl Champions, where he developed a long-lasting friendship with teammate Bob Griese. The Boilers beat Southern Cal 14-13 in the school’s only Rose Bowl appearance. Crowley earned a B.S. degree from Purdue in 1967 and his physical therapy degree from Iowa in 1968. Crowley was born August 9, 1944 in Chicago. He and his wife, Lois, have two daughters, Amie and Marie.

35. Kathie Courtney 2006 Inductee Dr. Kathie Courtney is a pioneer in the field of athletic training. She was one of the first few women certified in athletic training at the national level and was the first female certified athletic trainer in the state of South Dakota. She has been instrumental in the development of the profession through her involvement in the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association, having served in every office of that organization. She has served on numerous district and national committees. She has served as an excellent role model and liaison for women entering the profession of Athletic Training.

36. Randy Biggerstaff 2007 Inductee Randy Biggerstaff has contributed to the profession of Athletic Training at the state, district and national levels over the past 33 years. He has served on the Honors and Awards Committee for Missouri, as the Treasurer for the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association, and as the representative from District 5 to the NATA for the Clinical/Industrial/Corporate (CIC) Committee, a committee which he helped found. Throughout his career, he has been involved in a variety of settings including high school, professional sports, clinic, and business owner as well as his current position as Head Athletic Trainer and Athletic Training Program Director for Lindenwood University. Early in his career, he was instrumental in bringing care to under served high school and adult athletes in the St. Louis area. Through education and persistence the need for athletic trainers in the area schools became clear and most high schools in the St. Louis area now benefit from the services of a certified athletic trainer. In recommending Randy for induction, Wade Welton, MS, ATC wrote “ As impressive as his resume is I am most impressed by his leadership and his devotion to the Athletic Training profession while maintaining a priority of faith, family, and work with everything he accomplishes.” Randy has received the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award and the NATA Service Award. In addition, he is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Medicine Hall of Fame.

37. David “DC” Colt 2007 Inductee David “DC” Colt has served the Athletic Training profession admirably for the past 30 years. At the district level, he has served the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association as the Public Relations Officer, Secretary/Treasurer, and the District Director. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the NATA, the NATA Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the Board of Certification. He chaired the original Written Simulation Development Committee and was instrumental in writing the original Simulation examination. He has also co-chaired the taskforce to develop the Council on Employment and currently chairs the Foundation Project Grant Committee. After completing his Master’s degree at Northwest Missouri State in 1978, he began his career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Three years later, he returned to Northwest Missouri State where he has worked for 26 years and is currently the Head Athletic Trainer and Assistant Professor. DC is also a man of family and faith and a devoted husband and father. He has been very active with his church, serving in many capacities from usher to choir member to Sunday school teacher to volunteering with the church mission group. David received the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2004, the NATA Division II Athletic Trainer of the Year Award in 2006, and the Dan Libera Service Award from NATA-BOC in 2004. He has also received the Alumni Association Special Recognition Award from Northwest Missouri State and has been selected twice as the Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association. Further, he has been inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Sports Medicine Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.