The Unsung Heroes

You may not always see them but they are always there.  They are there before the athletes arrive for practice or a game and they are the last ones out the door after a practice or a game.  They work hard and long and are always in the background seeing to the needs of the athletes.  They are the student trainers.

Throughout the years I just always assumed that like the athletes and the cheerleaders, there was someone or some group that took special care of the trainers.  After speaking with our athletic trainers I found out that that’s not always the case.  These students put in extremely long hours and give the team all they’ve got and they do it for little to no recognition in most cases.  Yes, they are recognized at the athletic banquets, but throughout the year they seem to be the unsung heroes.  

Other than sending candy bags for Halloween not much had been done for our trainers.  So this year, the coaches’ wives decided that it was time for a little thanks and recognition.  We started by following the trainers on Twitter and tweeting words of encouragement on game days.  During early morning two a days, we sent muffins up to the school so they could have a treat once they were done tending to the athletes. Once the season officially started several of the wives would send up cookies on Friday mornings and have our coaches drop the by the training room. By the time I'd get to work my phone and the phones of the other wives were ringing constantly with Tweets of thanks. 

So much was done for the football players and we wanted to make sure the trainers knew that they were appreciated for what they do for the athletes  They are a part of the team and without them it would be difficult for the players to do their jobs on the field.  Thanks so our trainers, the athletes were always hydrated, taped, bandaged and treated as needed.They provided contact solution, help stretching and anything else that was possibly needed.

But for the trainers it doesn't stop after football season.  Our student trainers are more than just a one sport and done kind of group.  They all have a second sport that they support and some even take on a third sport.  These dedicated young men and women are part of the program all year long.

Many of them are a part of the program for the four years that they are in high school. Two young ladies hold a special place in the heart of my coach and I know he holds a special place in their hearts as well.  As freshmen, Zoe and Chandler adopted my coach and his safeties and their special group. These girls followed my coach around and made sure he and his players stayed hydrated. The stood by as drills were run in practice and every Friday night they were standing beside him as the boys warmed up to take the field.  For four years these girls were there every step of the way.  Zoe and Chandler had declared that no other trainers were “allowed” to work with the safeties and my coach. This group belonged to them and to them only.  The boys knew it, the trainers knew it and my coach knew it. 

As the regular season was drawing to a close and it was the last practice for Zoe and Chandler as seniors a moment happened that they will never forget.  As they were standing there ready to watch the drills begin, my coach handed them the ball and simply said “Run it.”  The girls looked at him with surprise and he said “You've seen me run these drills with the guys for four years. Now it’s your turn to run it.” The girls grinned with delight and giggled as girls do, and then they begin to run the drills.  Zoe and Chandler have graduated but they still talk about the time Coach let them run the drills.

These kids deserve the same kind of support and encouragement that we give to our athletes, cheerleaders, band, drill teams, etc. So as you’re out there cheering for the team, don’t forget those unsung heroes that are standing on the sideline.  They are there and ready to jump into action when needed and to make sure those athletes have everything they need.  Cheer for your student trainers and it wouldn't hurt to send them some cookies every now and then.  They really seem to love them.

Cheering you on,
Laurel