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Ohio Athletic Trainer plays important athletic role at Ansonia High School

Article reposted from Bluebag Media
Author: Gaylen Blosser

Kurt Moneysmith, a Mississinawa Valley graduate is in his sixth year as Athletic Trainer for the Ansonia Tigers sports teams, one of six Darke County schools associated with Wayne HealthSports.

“I’m just thankful that Wayne HealthSports started these programs for the smaller schools because those are usually the schools that are left out,” said Moneysmith. “They are a good organization and we are fortunate to have them.”

“Kurt Moneysmith has been employed with Wayne HealthSports since 2012,” said Jim Beyke, Director of Wayne HealthSports Rehab Services. “I contacted the state licensure board in 2012 and obtained a list of licensed Athletic Trainers living in the area. Kurt had just finished his Master’s degree and was available to interview for our position at Ansonia schools. I remember Kurt’s dad answering the phone that day. He seemed pretty excited for Kurt to have an opportunity in Darke County and close to home.”

Moneysmith and his wife Nicole are the parents of two sons, 18 month old Kash and 2 month old Kingston, making their home in the Ansonia school district.

Moneysmith grew up on the Union City family cattle farm and still finds time to help his parents, Bruce and Diane as time allows.

“Kurt has been a great fit at Ansonia,” Beyke said. “He knows the community very well having attended school at Mississinawa Valley growing up. Kurt has been able to help his dad with the family farm while becoming a great Athletic Trainer.”

While attending MVHS, Moneysmith played baseball, basketball and football and went on to a four year football career with the Capitol University Crusaders where he earned a bachelor’s degree before going to Defiance College, receiving a master’s degree in education.

“I knew I wanted to do something with sports and I knew I liked helping people, so that’s what I went to school for,” said Moneysmith, “Playing high school and college sports really helped me with being an athletic trainer. I got to see both sides of the athlete.”

“Playing football in college you see a whole different side of the sport,” continued Moneysmith. “Those experiences helped me with athletic training.”

“Kurt had a football background in high school and college,” Beyke said. “Having experience as an athlete really helps an Athletic Trainer understand injuries. Kurt is passionate about sports, He really cares about his athletes and coaching staff.”

Moneysmith is pleased Darke County athletes have an opportunity to remain local when medical attention is needed, reducing travel time and expenses traveling to Dayton.

“The communities just seem happier that they can get their kids in faster to see doctors for any issue – the same doctors that come up here work down around Dayton too,” noted Moneysmith. “It’s easier for the families to get their kids here. They’re not missing out on as many sports or school. That’s really nice.”

Today’s Athletic Trainers play an important role returning injured players back to the court or field in a timely, yet safe manor.

“You want to get those kids back as fast as possible but you have to be efficient in what you’re doing also – because that’s your job,” Moneysmith said.

“Kurt is very knowledgeable in his field and knows how to get his athletes back into action safely and quickly,” Beyke noted. “Kurt is very organized and keeps statistics for the Wayne HealthSports team. This includes coordinating information with our five other Athletic Trainers.

One observing Moneysmith court-side or on the field, it is quickly obvious he enjoys the career path he has chosen and encourages high schoolers to consider a health care career.

“The health industry is booming and the need is always there, especially with sports,” said Moneysmith. “Kids coming out of school that don’t know what they are going to do should really look into any health field because there are jobs, especially with athletic training. It’s projected to keep on growing.”

“We often count on Kurt to help take the lead at big events such as sports physicals each spring,” concluded Beyke. “This event is coordinated with Family Health and Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio. We typically provide sports physicals for over 300 local athletes. This is a big undertaking and it is great having Kurt on our team.”