Kenneth Wright, a professor at the University of Alabama, is a distinguished scholar, researcher and educator who is a respected expert and sought-after presenter across the globe. Wright has authored two textbooks, countless scholarly articles and secured numerous research grants, all of which has contributed to the advancement of athletic training and athletic training education. Among many appointments to the editorial boards of several publications, Wright served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Athletic Training for 12 years. In recognition of his service, the JAT established an award in his honor. Consistently recognized for his achievements and expertise, Wright was appointed to the US Anti-Doping Agency, the US Olympic Committee and has been awarded with the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.
NATA Hall of Fame
Mark Gibson is known as a leader within the profession who has committed his career to the advancement of athletic training. Gibson has served the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, first as head athletic trainer from 1985 to 1993, and as the director of its undergraduate athletic training program since 1993. As former vice president of the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers' Association, Gibson was instrumental in securing licensure for athletic trainers in his state. He became the president of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association in 2006 and was elected to the NATA Board of Directors in 2007. Gibson served the NATA in numerous committee leadership positions and is current Chair of the International Committee.
As an educator, clinician, volunteer and advocate, Paula Sammarone Turocy's impact on the profession of athletic training is immeasurable. A former chair of the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Joint Review Committee on Athletic Training, and founding chair of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, she has influenced the education of athletic trainers throughout the country. A recognized volunteer and activist at the local, state and national levels, Turocy contributed to the advancement of the regulatory status and licensure of ATs in Pennsylvania. Turocy, who was the first Anna Rangos Rizakus Endowed Chair at Duquesne University, is currently a professor of athletic training and Director of the Pre-Medical and Health Professions Programs at the University.
Charlie Thompson is known for his leadership and the shining example he sets for others in the profession of athletic training. His commitment to the profession has contributed to a positive image and elevated role of athletic trainers in the realm of healthcare and sports medicine. Thompson, a past president of the EATA, has held numerous NATA volunteer positions including District Two treasurer and CUATC chair. He has served as a member of various workgroups and task forces including Vision Quest, Governance and as the liaison to the American Football Coaches Association. Thompson has worked for the athletic training department at Princeton University for more than three decades and is in his 14th year as head athletic trainer.
R.T. Floyd's career as an athletic trainer began when he became the first head athletic trainer at the University of West Alabama as a freshman. He has now served as a faculty member at the university for nearly 40 years and is the director of athletic training. Known by his colleagues as one of the most devoted athletic trainers in the profession, Floyd's legacy to athletic training will be his service and dedication. Floyd is a former member of the NATA Board of Directors. He was also elected as a representative on the NATA Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors, becoming the first member to be elected to serve simultaneously on both the NATA and the NATA Foundation Board of Directors. Floyd is currently an active volunteer at the local, state and national level and will serve as the next president of the NATA Research and Education Foundation.
Ralph Reiff, an innovator in the field of athletic training, developed a tool to track downstream revenue and demonstrate the business value of athletic trainer outreach. Regarded as a leader in his state, he was instrumental in the passage of the Indiana certification regulation and licensure. As committed to his athletes as he is to the profession, Reiff piloted several initiatives including a program to provide athletic training and medical services to the Butler University ballet program, an athletic training internship program and an injured athlete support group, among many others. Due to his expertise, he was selected to help plan and coordinate all aspects of medical care for the 1996 Olympic games. Reiff is the executive director of St. Vincent's Sports Performance.
Dr. Robert Kersey is well known for his commitment to athletic training education and the development of young professionals. As a teacher, researcher and mentor, his impact on the profession is immeasurable. Kersey's research related to anabolic steroid use is highly regarded and cited, establishing him as an international expert on the subject with numerous presentations and media appearances. He serves his profession as a member of the NATA Research & Education Foundation Board of Directors, a reviewer for the Journal of Athletic Training and as a member of various committees at the national, state and local levels. Kersey is a professor and director of the athletic training education program at California State University, Fullerton.
Ron Courson is a national leader in emergency care and the issue of sudden death. He has served on numerous committees and task forces and was instrumental in writing several NATA position statements on the following topics: spine injury management, preventing sudden death and emergency preparation in athletics. Courson was a leader in developing the athletic training education program at the University of Georgia, where he currently serves as associate athletic director of sports medicine. His dedication to the profession is demonstrated by the compassionate care he provides his student athletes, his efforts toward promoting legislation that improves the welfare of student athletes and the development of an emergency medical plan that is credited with saving lives.
Arnold Thomas worked for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Cypress, Texas for three decades. As the head athletic trainer for Cy-Fair High School, he assisted in the implementation of a program that provided free heart screenings for student athletes and automatic defibrillators at each of the 10 CFISD high schools. Known for being a true model and setting an example of expertise and professionalism, Thomas was president of both the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association and the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers' Society. He is one of the founders of the GHATS student workshop, the largest in the nation, and served as medical staff at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Thomas is currently a doping control officer for the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
William “Bill” Tessendorf's legacy as an athletic trainer will be his efforts to advance the profession and create more opportunities for his colleagues. Tessendorf has worked as an athletic trainer in the National Football League for nearly four decades, including more than 20 years with the Cleveland Browns and a Super Bowl win with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. Tessendorf has shown his commitment to his profession by serving as president of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association. He was the first to represent athletic trainers on the NFL Injury & Safety panel, advocating for player safety and injury prevention for nearly two decades.