Jean Berger, IGHSAU Executive Director;
Renae Chesnut, CPHS Dean;
Tom Keating, IHSAA Executive Director
Drake University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program signed an indefinite contract with the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) on March 6, 2020, that will benefit Drake’s students and Iowa high school athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators.
The mutually-beneficial agreement is two-fold. Athletic training students will have opportunities to provide hands-on services at state championships in the Des Moines metro area including girls state basketball, track, tennis, and soccer. Not only does this allow students real-world opportunities to apply what they learn in class but it’s an advantage to small schools that don’t employ athletic trainers or don’t have athletic trainers travel with their teams.
The agreement also allows students and faculty to provide information for high school athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators on topics related to wellness and sports. Athletic training student Drew Orr is currently conducting research on cardiac testing during pre-participation as part of his capstone experience that will be shared with the organizations.
The agreement will also give athletic training students the opportunity to provide hands-on services at state championships in the Des Moines metro area including girls state basketball, track, tennis, and soccer. Not only does this allow students real-world opportunities to apply what they learn in class but it’s an advantage to small schools that don’t employ athletic trainers or don’t have athletic trainers travel with their teams.
“We’re very excited about this long-term partnership with the IGHSAU and the IHSAA that will benefit our students and their organizations,” said Nate Newman, director of the MAT program. “The research and service opportunities provided will help enhance the educational opportunities afforded to our students and prepare them for practice after graduation.”
To learn more about Drake’s MAT program, visit drake.edu/at. Questions about admission into the program can be directed to drakeAT@drake.edu or 515-271-3018. Applications are accepted at drake.edu/at/masterofathletictraining/matadmission.