Posted on Friday, March 19, 2021
Being an athletic trainer is not for the weak-hearted.
The strenuous job requires long hours, high-stress situations, traveling, multitasking, adjusting on the fly and working with different personalities. Add COVID-19 protocols into the mix and the responsibilities increase exponentially.
The college’s athletic training team of Associate Athletics Director of Compliance & Sports Medicine Rob Dicks and Athletic Trainers Chris Blocker and Janet Lin Craft are being recognized during National Athletic Training Month in March.
“I cannot begin to say in words how proud and thankful I am for Janet and Chris,” said Dicks. “With all that we have on our plates, they have answered the bell time and time again. Things are definitely not running in the fashion that we are accustomed to, but we are still operating professionally and delivering optimal care to our patients.”
Athletic training work flies under the radar because the job is often behind the scenes. Dicks, Blocker and Craft have a role in every student-athlete recovery story. They always work to put the best interest of the players first, and they have spearheaded a safe return to athletic competition this semester during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
“I made a decision to meet the obstacles this semester head on and give it our best shot,” said Dicks. “Many barriers have come up during this pandemic, but I feel that my training and experience have prepared me for it all. We have all been on what I like to call ‘max flex,’ meaning we have adapted, adjusted and responded to everything that has been thrown our way. Here we are approaching the finish line with nothing but positive responses from our students and staff.”
Dicks, a native of Augusta, Georgia, is in his 20th year at LaGrange College. He began in the fall of 2001 as the college’s first full-time assistant athletic trainer. The 2001 Valdosta State University graduate has been the head of LaGrange’s Athletic Training department since 2007 and was promoted to Associate Athletics Director on March 1, 2021.
Dicks earned 2020 NCAA Division III Head Athletic Trainer of the Year honors from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine committee. He will begin serving as the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee chair and National Athletic Trainers’ Association D9 representative in June.
“I have been around the athletic training profession for almost three decades now, beginning in high school helping my assistant coach treat and take care of my football team’s injuries,” said Dicks. “I still love it as much as I did almost 30 years ago. I feel like I am part of the best profession in the world. There are so many facets of the sports medicine world and they are all exciting and very rewarding.”
Blocker has been a certified athletic trainer since September 2015 and joined LC in August 2018. The Fayetteville, North Carolina, native graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training. He earned a master’s in sports health science in 2017 from Life University.
Blocker is knowledgeable about rehab principles, helping student-athletes return effectively and efficiently from injuries.
“The relationships that I build with the student-athletes are my favorite part of being an athletic trainer,” said Blocker. “I also cherish the chance to be a part of a team and its success.”
Craft began her career as a Panther athletic trainer in January 2015. The San Francisco, California, native earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and athletic training and a minor in psychology from Fresno State in 2011. She received a master’s in kinesiology and health studies from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2014.
Craft is an active member of the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association as chair of the ethnic diversity advisory committee. She holds additional training in kinesiology taping, mental-health first aid and individual crisis intervention.
“I pride myself on being there for my patients,” said Craft. “Outside of being a clinical athletic trainer, my areas of interest are mental well-being and diversity and cultural competence. It is important to me that athletic trainers possess a basic understanding of mental-health crisis management and have plans in place to address critical incidents. My focus is to highlight and recognize diverse athletic trainers and develop programs that help create networks for athletic training students.”
The team’s work has never been more critical than during the pandemic.
“It gets hard at times with 12- to 14- hour days, hundreds of COVID-19 tests per week, hours and hours of medical services provided, practices and game coverages,” said Dicks. “Although the pandemic has been tough to work through, my staff and I have handled the pressures very well. I am thankful for my two great assistants to do it all with.”
Lauranne Buchanan, left, outgoing president of LaGrange College’s Leadership Council, congratulates new President Zsa Zsa Heard of LaGrange as the gavel was ceremonially passed recently. The group works to engage the community and alumni, support projects that advance the college’s strategic vision and provide a source of financial support for the institution. This year’s objectives include developing and modifying programs, policies and procedures to ensure diversity and inclusivity; using information from an economic impact study to help with opportunities and/or partnerships with the city and county; and partnering with the Sustainability Committee to promote and foster environmental stewardship through education, research, policies and actions. 
The Alumni Association and LC First Gentleman Mark Huffman will present a virtual book discussion at noon April 14. The topic will be Adam Grant’s newest book, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing what You Don’t Know.” The book examines the critical art of rethinking: learning to question opinions and open other people’s minds, which can position you for excellence at work and wisdom in life. Please register to receive details about this event. Once you register, instructions for joining the Zoom gathering will be emailed to you.
Don’t forget Monday’s 3D Journeys lecture with retired History Professor Joe Cafaro. He will be discussing “Vietnam: A Historical Legacy of Invasions and Resistance” at 10 a.m. The free lecture will be presented virtually, via Zoom. To sign up, use this link or call 706-880-8244 or email 3DJourneys@kongtiao11.com. Information on how to access the Zoom lecture will be emailed to all who register.
Political Science research methods students have been invited to present at the Posters on the Hill Event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event, to be in late April, will feature only 60 projects chosen nationwide. The students’ research studied the effects of politics, economics and restriction policies on COVID-19's positivity rate and death rates by state.
Congratulations to these graduating students who rang the Chapel bell to celebrate their Sound of Success accomplishments: Jessica Perkins (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Piedmont Hospital in Newnan, Georgia; Morgan Gick Freeman (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a school nurse with the San Diego County Schools in San Diego, California; Jennifer Yearwood (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Piedmont Hospital in Newnan; Kiley Polk (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta; and Michelle Hopper (Nursing), offered a full-time job as a registered nurse at WellStar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.
A Disability Virtual Career Fair hosted by Bender Consulting Services will be held online from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Individuals with a disability who are looking for employment or internships can chat online with employers across the country. Learn more here Register online .
Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers will hold a virtual statewide career fair from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. April 7. LC’s Center for Leadership and Career Development is partnering with more than 40 colleges and universities across Georgia this year to host the event. Registration is required. Visit here for more information.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
Through Sunday
“Environment and Modern Agriculture” film
Students explore how the current global demand for animal products and related crops affect ecosystems and health through global warming, the depletion of natural resources, the pollution of soil, water and air, the loss of wildlife, deforestation and ocean depletion. *Sustainability Credit
Local Professional Interview Series – Sherri Brown and Holly Roberts (Nonprofit Leadership)
Brown and Roberts lead Circles of Troup County, a nonprofit that works to identify and eliminate causes of poverty and support those wishing to lift themselves out of poverty.
Young Alumni Interview Series – Anna Andrews (Education)
Andrews will discuss her time at LC as an Education major and how that experience prepared her for her current career path.
Monday-March 28
Virtual Presentation: Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Dean of Recruitment Michael Crouch and Manager of Student Recruitment Aaron Hux at the Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy provide a virtual overview of the university’s pharmacy program.
March 22-26
American Master’s Programs in Europe
Organized by American Universities Abroad, representatives from universities in Italy, the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and France will explore the benefits of combining the best qualities of an American liberal arts education with the international network and cultural heritage of major European cities.
March 22-28
Local Professional Interview Series – Angie Montondo, Counseling
Montondo is treatment coordinator at Counseling Services, Inc. in LaGrange. She will discuss her career in counseling and share her insights and wisdom with current students.
Young Alumni Virtual Interview Series – Wes Dismukes ‘17, Political Science
Dismukes is pursuing his master’s degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham. He recently was nominated for the 2021 Blazer Way Award that is given to students, faculty, staff and alumni who embody the tenets of honor and integrity, scholarship, innovation, service and diversity.
March 24
The Annual Fund and Its Impact on You
Lincoln Anderson'21, this year's senior giveback intern, will discuss the impact of the annual fund on LC students. He will explain the ins and outs of the fund, how it works, where it comes from, where it goes and how to be a part of something big, impactful, and legacy worthy. *SUSTAINABILITY CREDIT
Through March 31
Networking and Job Search Strategies
Gain a foundational understanding of successful networking and job search strategies that are key to a successful career.
Volleyball
LC (4-1, 3-0 USA South) swept Wesleyan 3-0 in a USA South match Wednesday. Kaela Busby led the Panthers with nine kills. Ariel Modeste had seven kills, two solo blocks and two block assists.
Women’s Soccer
The Panthers (2-4, 2-4 USA South) blanked visiting Agnes Scott 4-0 on Tuesday. Junior Madison Demkowski recorded her first hat trick of three goals to lead LC.
Men's Lacrosse
Huntingdon rallied in the second half to defeat LaGrange 8-6 in a USA South game Thursday night. Jaxson Crews had a game-high three goals for the Panthers.
Today (Friday)
Golf at Jekyll Island Invitational
Saturday
Golf at Jekyll Island Invitational
Baseball vs. Emory (doubleheader), 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Cleaveland Field at Williamson Stadium
Men’s Soccer at Covenant, 4 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s Tennis at Huntingdon, 2 p.m.
Sunday
Golf at Jekyll Island Invitational
Baseball vs. Emory, 2 p.m., Cleaveland Field at Williamson Stadium
The LaGrange College Fund helps meet the changing needs of the institution, provide more students with financial assistance and enhance new and existing academic programs. Every gift gives more momentum in the college’s mission of transforming lives as students strive for integrity and moral courage.
(no links available)
3D Journeys lecture studies grim history of Vietnam – LaGrange Daily News, March 13-14, 2021
Panther standouts honored – LaGrange Daily News, March 13-14, 2021
Category: College, Students
Keywords: Panther athletic training
