NATA Hall of Fame Inductee for 2000
Dick Hoover has been an athletic trainer since 1963. He was a student athletic trainer at Ball State University where he received his Bachelors Degree. He was Assistant Athletic Trainer at Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University, where he was awarded a Certificate in Physical Therapy. Returning to Ball State as Assistant Athletic Trainer and instructor, he received his Masters Degree. In 1968, he assumed the position as Head Athletic Trainer at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois at the age of twenty-seven.
Dick was an early developer of outpatient sports medicine practices using physical therapists and initiated athletic trainers in clinical settings. As a businessman, educator and practitioner, he was instrumental in opening over one hundred outpatient clinics. Active in NATA as original PR Chairman and speaker, he as authored or edited ten textbooks. Dick has always been an innovator and international leader as trainer from the Chicago Sting, Chicago Fire, Chicago Hustle and in coordinating rehabilitation for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls.
Dick is presently involved in consulting and implementing rehabilitation and sports medicine programs at rural hospitals and high schools. He also serves on the Board of Directors of various corporations.
Dick Hoover Hall of Fame Video