Several members of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) enjoyed significant achievements at the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) 68th Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium in Boston, Massachusetts from January 8-11th. Joe Iezzi provided the James L. Thornton Keynote Address during the EATA Student Program while Dr. R. Robert Franks (Rothman Institute) received the David Moyer Physician Award. Susan Cappelli (Big Spring High School) was honored with the Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer Award. Daniel Baer (West Chester University) received a doctoral scholarship while Nicholas April (West Chester University), Charles Robinson (Mercyhurst University), and Cody Lancellotti (King’s College) each won undergraduate scholarships. Finally, the 2016 District 2 Quiz Bowl Champion was Dillion Gorby, a senior at California University of PA.
The Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) held its 68th Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium in Boston, Massachusetts. EATA is a joint district meeting of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Districts 1 and 2. The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) serves in District 2 of the NATA. PATS had several honorable achievements during the extended weekend in Boston.
Former PATS President, Joe Iezzi provided the James L. Thornton Keynote Address during the EATA Student Program. The keynote address is presented by an individual who fosters education of students, as well as the public, and represents the athletic training profession in a positive manner. Iezzi hit a home run with his address which focused on passion, networking, and leadership but most importantly friendships developed in the field of athletic training.
The David Moyer Award was presented to a team physician who has served as an educator and advocate to the athletic training profession for at least 10 years. They also must exemplify community service where they live and work, research and publish with the field of sports medicine, and have been involved at the state, district or national level of Athletic Training organizations. The 2016 recipient was Dr. R. Robert Franks, Rothman Institute and co-medial director of Jefferson Comprehensive Concussion Center. Franks said about his award, “This award has been bestowed on some of the best physicians in the country. To join them is a great honor and tribute to all those with whom I have had the privilege to work.”
The Francis J. George Scholarship is awarded to Doctoral students who have displayed commitment and passion to the Athletic Training profession. The Doctoral students must display commitment to athletic training through practice and contributing to the science behind the practice. They must also demonstrate service to the profession in some form. The 2016 recipient is Daniel Baer, West Chester University.
The Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer Award recognizes an athletic trainer (AT) who has made contributions to furthering his/her school’s sports medicine program or the overall profession of secondary school Athletic Training. The 2016 recipient is Susan Cappelli, Big Spring High School. Cappelli is the Cumberland County representative for the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) as well as the President of the Central Pennsylvania Athletic Trainer’s Association. She has tirelessly and excellently served Big Spring High School as their AT for the past 18 years.
Further the EATA scholarship recipients are selected based on their grade point average, a student essay, faculty recommendations, athletic training clinical experiences, service, extracurricular activities, leadership and awards. The 2016 recipient of the Paul Grace scholarship which is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson was Nicholas April from West Chester University. The 2016 recipients of EATA Scholarships are Charles Robinson, Mercyhurst University and Cody Lancellotti, King’s College.
The EATA Quiz Bowl is a Jeopardy style competition with representatives from undergraduate athletic training education programs competing for a trophy and chance to represent their District at the NATA Quiz Bowl in June. The 2016 District 2 Quiz Bowl Champion is Dillion Gorby, Senior at California University of PA.
PATS President John Moyer commented on the outstanding efforts of our membership saying, “PATS is extremely proud of all of our EATA Award recipients. It is a testimony to the dedication of our physicians, athletic trainers and our athletic training programs.”
For more information regarding this topic or to schedule an interview with PATS President John Moyer LAT, ATC, please contact Linda Mazzoli MS, LAT, ATC, PATS Executive Director.
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society, Inc. is a progressive organization of licensed health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. Our society continues to increase public awareness and education regarding Athletic Trainers and the Athletic Training profession while serving as the premier source of information for public safety, injury and illness prevention, early intervention, patient care, and healthcare delivery for the physically active in the Commonwealth.
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