1912 - 1981
Always seeking to promote the profession, Joe Abraham wrote articles, facilitated seminars and conducted surveys to make the New York State Education Department realize the importance of athletic trainers in the school system. Abraham, who began his athletic training career in 1942, worked at Ithaca College, the U.S. Air Corps and Hobart College before retiring from athletic training to become an athletic director.
1917-1971
Richard Wargo was a near-constant presence among University of Connecticut athletics from 1941 until his retirement in 1969. A good golfer and inventor of protective equipment for athletes, Wargo served on the athletic trainer's staff for the U.S.-Pan American team games at Chicago in 1959.
1914-1976
James Morris' athletic training career spanned more than 40 years at Butler University and Indianapolis area clinics. Morris graduated from Butler in 1937 and spent the next 18 years as head athletic trainer there. In 1964, he became one of the first athletic trainers to work in the clinic setting.
1909 - 1983
During his 28 years at Ole Miss, Wesley “Doc” Knight served as president of the SEC athletic trainers and of his NCAA district association. After he retired in 1975, Knight held an emeritus title at Ole Miss and was active in coaching for the Special Olympics.
1912 - 1979
From the day of his arrival at Oklahoma University in 1953, Ken Rawlinson was respected for his burning ambition and total dedication. Rawlinson, who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942, was the original author of “Modern Athletic Training,” a comprehensive athletic training reference for daily care of athletes.
1904 - 1982
Carl “Bud” Jorgensen was with the Green Bay Packers during the team's most prosperous years. He joined the Packers in 1924 as assistant equipment manager and in 1940 became the Packers' head athletic trainer. He retired in 1970. During his tenure, the Packers captured 10 World Titles under the leadership of coaching legend Vince Lombardi.
1916-1971
NATA founding member Ernest Biggs was head athletic trainer at Ohio State University from 1942-72. Biggs, who graduated from OSU in 1941 with a master's degree, built the Buckeye athletic training room into a model of efficiency. He conducted comprehensive studies of athletic injuries and held a patent on a special knee support and ankle brace. Biggs was the first athletic trainer ever inducted to the Ohio State Varsity “O” Hall of Fame.
1909 - 1999
Bob Bauman never pitched a no-hitter for the Cardinals, yet he's one of the most beloved sports personalities in St. Louis. He cared for St. Louis University athletes from 1928-79, and he was athletic trainer for St. Louis professional baseball teams from 1938-84. Arenas, fan days, scholarships and awards now bear Bauman's name to honor his nearly 60-year career.
1905 - 1991
Howard Waite joined Colorado College in 1930 as the athletic trainer, wrestling and golf coach. He built his legacy at the University of Pittsburgh, where he and the university physician - both suffering impaired mobility - developed a line of patented knee and ankle braces. A keen clinician, Waite was known among athletes for his willingness to listen.
1902 - 1977
Werner “Dutch” Luchsinger was associated with sports in the South for 48 years. After graduating from Tulane, where he was a standout in three sports, Luchsinger coached high school athletes for many years before becoming head athletic trainer at Mississippi State, where he stayed until retiring in 1965.