1919 - 1989
Robert Weingart made a strong impression at Marquette University, serving as head athletic trainer from 1946-84. Marquette retired the number 38 in Weingart's honor in recognition of his 38 years of service to the school. He cared for the 1972 Olympic team and for the College All-Star football teams from 1950-52.
1923 - 1987
Byron Bird's name became synonymous with athletic training at Oklahoma State University almost from his first day as a student there in 1946. Bird, who graduated in 1949, became his alma mater's football athletic trainer in 1950. He spent his career developing the program on campus and promoting the profession in Oklahoma.
1927 - 2012
Tom Wilson always said he was lucky to have studied under fellow Hall of Famer Frank Medina for two years. From that solid beginning, Wilson became the head athletic trainer at the University of Houston from 1953-93. Taking Medina's example to heart, he focused on being a mentor and encouraging students to join the profession.
1922 - 1985
Several generations of Tulane athletes benefited from the knowledge of Earl “Bubba” Porche. During his 36 years as head athletic trainer, he became an important part of athletes' lives; Porche was attending a former athlete's wedding when he suffered a fatal heart attack. During his career, Porche cared for the U.S. Track team in 1967 and served at the 1971 Pan-American Games.
1919 - 2003
Marty Broussard's athletic training career spanned six decades at Louisiana State University. An exceptional baseball and track athlete as an undergrad at LSU, he found his true calling when he served as a student athletic trainer for the football team. He was an athletic trainer for the U.S. Olympics in 1960 and for the 1955 Pan American Games.
1916 - 1999
Mel Blickenstaff's 30-year career was punctuated by awards, speeches and recognition. Blickenstaff, the head athletic trainer at Indiana State University from 1962-78, wrote more than 15 articles for professional publications, delivered 50+ speeches and served on several research committees to advance athletic training. He also cared for the 1976 U.S. Olympic Team in Montreal.
1904 - 1984
Bob White, Wayne State University's athletic trainer for more than 30 years, was known as the school's “Ambassador Deluxe.” After coming to WSU in 1951, White spoke to athletes in other countries about athletic training and represented District Four on the NATA Board. He also served as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
1903 - 1990
Francis Sheridan was in the athletic training profession for more than 30 years, working as an athletic trainer at Phillipsburg Catholic High School (NJ) and Lafayette College. Sheridan also worked for the 1967 U.S. Olympic and Pan American teams. In 1973 and 1976 he was selected as the head athletic trainer of the U.S. AAU track team.
1925 - 2007
Founding member Jack Rockwell combined his academic, athletic training and business experience into a fruitful career. Rockwell got his start as an assistant at Kansas and ended up with the St. Louis Football Cardinals. Active in NATA, he was the association's Executive Secretary from 1968-71, guiding efforts surrounding certification.
Eddie Lane has come a long way in the athletic training profession since he earned $100 for the entire school year as a student athletic trainer at Waite High School in Toledo in 1943. He went on to work at Southern Methodist University, the U.S. Army Medical Corps, North Texas State University and as the head athletic trainer for the Dallas Independent School District. He is retired but remains active.