Athletic Training Spotlight: Catawba, Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne

March is National Athletic Training Month. Over the next few weeks, the SAC will show its appreciation for the outstanding health care service provided to its student-athletes by their schools' athletic training staffs by profiling the training programs. Today, Carson-Newman, Catawba and Lenoir-Rhyne are spotlighted.

More information on athletic training can be found at www.nata.org. Remember, "Athletic Trainers Save Lives!"

Catawba College Athletic Training Staff

Robert Casmus, M.S., LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer, Instructor - B.S. Temple University; M.S., University of Arizona

Robert J. Casmus arrived at Catawba College in 1990 as head athletic trainer and instructor. He oversees the athletic health care and the athletic drug testing and education program of the Catawba athletes. A native of Sinking Spring, Pa., Casmus earned a master's degree in exercise and sports science from the University of Arizona in 1985. During that time, he worked as head athletic trainer at Palo Verde High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in health education from Temple University in 1983 and during his time in the Pennsylvania area, he worked as an athletic trainer for St. John Neumann High School, and as a summer intern for the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition, Casmus completed the Advanced Athletic Training Program at West Chester University in 1983 and is a certified EMT in the state of North Carolina.

Mike Eden, MS, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Instructor - B.S., Elon College; M.S., University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

Mike arrived at Catawba College in August of 1999 and joined the staff as an assistant athletic trainer and athletic training instructor. Originally from Medford, NJ, Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine from Elon College in 1995, and completed his graduate study at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1999 where he received a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. Among his many endeavors within the academic, collegiate, and clinical settings, Mike has completed an internship with Murphy and Wainer Orthopedic Specialists in Greensboro, NC, worked as a radiology clinical assistant and athletic trainer within the Moses H. Cone Health System, earned EMT certification in NC, and has guest lectured at the local, district and national levels. He is also a member of the NATA and ACSM. Mike is actively involved with Catawba athletics, as well as teaching Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, and Upper Body Injury Assessment.

Brandon Auton, MEd, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Lecturer, B.S., Western Carolina University, M.Ed., University of Nebraska

Brandon joined Catawba College in August of 2011 as an assistant athletic trainer and athletic training instructor. Brandon over-sees baseball and volleyball along with teaching First Aid & CPR.

Leslie Dent, MA, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Lecturer, B.S., East Carolina University, M.A., Kent State University, OH

Leslie joined Catawba College in August of 2011 as an assistant athletic trainer and athletic training lecturer. Leslie over-sees men's and women's basketball along with tennis and golf. She teaches the Nutrition course for the Athletic Training Education Program.

Stacy Rider, ATC
Intern-Assistant Athletic Trainer, B.S., Messiah College, PA

Stacy joined Catawba College in August of 2011 as the intern- assistant athletic trainer and she over-sees the softball program.

Carson-Newman College Athletic Training Staff

Athletic Training Services at Carson-Newman College delivers traditional athletic training and sports medicine services to Eagle and Lady Eagle student-athletes. We are committed to using whatever technology is available and affordable in the delivery of these services. We will remain committed to the continuous upgrading of the education, clinical skill development, and equipment used in the delivery of athletic training and sports medicine services so that our student-athletes will be assured of the most modern care available.

Mike Van Bruggen, Head Athletic Trainer

Chico Dupas, Director of Athletic Training Education Program

Travis Steuve, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Melissa Stueve, Associate Athletic Trainer

Brwyan Campbell, Associate Athletic Trainer

Becky George, Associate Athletic Trainer

Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletic Training Staff

Dr. Carrie Hendrick, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Dr. Stephanie Stadden, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Tiffany Thompson, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Dr. Michael McGee, Athletic Training Program Director

Michael Flicker, Director of Athletic Training

Luis Velez, Assistant Athletic Trainer