Article reposted from Glasgow Daily Times
Author: Glasgow Daily Times
After 47 years of service to Western Kentucky University Athletics, Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Bill “Doc E” Edwards has announced his retirement, effective June 30.
“We are thankful for Doc E’s countless contributions to WKU Athletics over his nearly five decades of commitment to our student-athletes and sport programs,” Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “His impact as a department head and mentor for hundreds of future athletic trainers leaves a sterling legacy.”
Edwards, a 2016 inductee into WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni, was named Head Athletic Trainer at WKU in 1983 after six years as an assistant and was elevated to his current post in 2009. A two-time graduate of WKU in 1974 and 1976, Edwards came to The Hill as a student in 1970 and began his career as a student athletic trainer. He received his degree in Physical Education in 1974 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta, where he served as fraternity president in 1973-74. Edwards followed his undergraduate curriculum by earning his graduate degree in Secondary Education and Health Education from WKU in 1976 and certification with the National Athletic Trainers Association, a distinction he has held since 1975.
Edwards will be honored for his contributions to Hilltopper Athletics during Saturday’s Red vs. White WKU Football Spring Game.
Under Edwards’ leadership, the athletic training program has grown from a staff of three to 12 certified athletic trainers who provide health care and athletic training for all 16 WKU sport teams. Edwards also coordinates a large group of sports medicine specialists, including team physicians and physical therapists, to ensure appropriate, timely and state-of-the-art health care for WKU student-athletes. In addition to his daily athletic training duties, Edwards has served as a faculty member since 1977 and teaches in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport on The Hill, mentoring countless numbers of future sports professionals.