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University of Montana holds Hall of fame celebration

The University of Montana’s athletic training program hosted its first Athletic Training Hall of Fame Celebration on Friday to honor prestigious graduates and leaders of the program.

Housed in the Department of Health and Human Performance, the athletic training program was among the first of its kind in the nation and continues to be a leader in the field. Since 1971, it has provided students with a rigorous, nationally accredited academic program, hands-on experience at various clinical education sites, and unique interactions with allied and medical health care professionals throughout western Montana.

The celebration was an opportunity for the athletic training program, the Department of Health and Human Performance, and the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences to highlight the many extraordinary graduates of this program.

“This year, we are fortunate to be able to host many of the earliest graduates of the program, as well as honor individuals who represent some of the biggest names in Athletic Training that have preceded us,” said Valarie Moody, a health and human performance professor and director of the Athletic Training program.

“We are thrilled that our speakers are willing to share their unique professional and leadership experiences with our students and faculty,” she said. “This will be a historic day for the UM athletic training program.”

Among the speakers were Michael E. Nesbitt, head athletic trainer and associate professor at Northern Arizona University. During his tenure at NAU, he promoted and justified athletic trainers in several Arizona high schools. Pete Rhinehart was present on behalf of Naseby Rhinehart, UM’s first athletic trainer. As a student at UM, Naseby Rhinehart earned nine letters in football, basketball and track – picking up knowledge of injury prevention and treatment firsthand. Rhinehart remained at UM for 47 years, and the Rhinehart Athletic Treatment Center is named in his honor.

Other great UM athletic trainers recognized were Don Gleason, Wiley Kendle and Dennis Murphy.

For more information about the athletic training program or the Athletic Training Hall of Fame Celebration, visit coehs.umt.edu/umat/default.php or contact Valerie Moody, athletic training program director, at 243-4211 or valerie.moody@umontana.edu.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/under-the-m-athletic-training-program-honors-grads-leaders/article_04447acf-bf0e-5568-ad94-5dc635c68902.html