Athletic trainers keep students in the game
By Audrey Kuhn
The Concordia University athletic training department, led by head trainer Randy Baack, works with athletes from all sports to keep them functioning at a high level through everything from muscle aches to major injuries.
“This is healthcare. We work with athletes, coaches and doctors, if that is needed,” Baack said. “We work through the aches and pains to help athletes perform at their best.”
Baack works with four assistant athletic trainers, Shelby Svatora, David Chouinard, Alexis Fosmer and Daylon Yount. Each trainer works with teams and individuals, creating plans to help prevent athletes from injuries and ensure they can keep playing their sport.
Baack said that the athletic trainers work together as a team to help athletes perform at championship level.
“There is the business side, you know, the healthcare part, and then there is the personal part of it, just getting to know the athletes,” Baack said.
Randy Baack
Alexa Richert, who is on the women’s tennis team, said that the trainers are very welcoming.
“They fit us in no matter what is going on during the day, and they always make sure you are doing good,” Richert said.
A regular day at the athletic training department can begin with treatment and rehabilitation. Baack said that preventative care is important. Athletes have to maintain their bodies because they do strenuous sports at a high intensity level.
Treatment and rehab include maintenance items like whirlpool ice baths, electrical stimulation, hot packs, muscle scraping and cupping. Cupping uses suction cups to improve circulation and blood flow.
Athletes often train daily, including lifting, conditioning and practicing their specific sport. Baack said trainers provide care daily for the community of 700 athletes.
The most common injuries athletes experience will depend on their sport. Collision sports like football, basketball and soccer can lead to injuries from body blows and tackles. Non-collision sports can lead to injuries from the wear and tear of running, jumping and hitting. Many injuries include stress fractures and sprained ankles and knees.
Shelby Svatora
Richert said that the trainers helped her with a bad shoulder injury her freshman year and are currently working with her on preventative care for her ankle.
The training room is open for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The trainers attend most practices and competitions, often showing up for early morning practices or staying late for evening sessions.
They also help prepare for games or matches, such as doing laundry, making injury evaluations, filling out administrative paperwork, communicating with coaches about their athletes and setting up appointments with physicians and other healthcare providers.
There are about a dozen student workers in the training department, and they help set up practices and clean up the training room throughout the day.
“The student workers are very helpful too!” said women’s tennis team member Jacey Powell.
David Chouinard
Svatora works with both the men’s and women’s tennis teams to help prevent injuries and is at some practices and games, something women’s tennis team member Erin Nordby appreciates.
“Shelby is very intentional with what she does,” said Nordby. “This year they have a plan and communicate it well with athletes.”
Women’s soccer team member McKennah West said that the atmosphere in the athletic training department is very open and welcoming.
“The athletic trainers communicate well with us, and sometimes athletes go in there just to hang out,” West said.
Baack said that his favorite part of working at Concordia is working in the Christian community.
“We have truly great people with character. Just the people who are grounded in their faith,” he said. “You have a chance to grow in your faith here. You don’t always have to talk about God or Jesus, but you can live that in the way you interact with people.”
Daylon Yount
Alexis Fosmer
