The 70th Annual Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) convention was held January 5th-8th in Boston, Massachusetts. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) ventured through a snowstorm to attend the convention. Four PATS athletic trainers were inducted into the EATA ‘49 Club.
In addition, three athletic training students received scholarships.
All attendees enjoyed educational programming, exhibits and professional networking. Mark J. Smaha, former President of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), presented an outstanding and very inspirational William E. “Pinky” Newell Address.
Four PATS members were inducted into the EATA ‘49 Club. “This club recognizes members whose contributions and leadership in District 1, District 2 or both significantly advanced the profession of athletic training. These individuals have shaped the profession through their exceptional accomplishments and dedication to service and leadership. The ‘49 Club is considered the highest honor an EATA member can achieve” (goeata.org). PATS members Wayne Evans (Mansfield University), David Tomasi (Lock Haven University), Bob Ward (Moravian College) and Laurie Zaparzynski (Mansfield University) were part of the induction Class of 2018.
Three undergraduate athletic training students from PATS were honored with scholarships and two graduate students were recognized for outstanding presentations. The undergraduate scholarships “honor outstanding students from the EATA membership who have excelled academically and clinically as professional (entry-level) athletic training students”.
Megan Soucy (Slippery Rock University) was awarded the EATA Scholarship, Erika Johnson (East Stroudsburg University) the Wes Jordan/Henry Schien Scholarship, and Morgan Dumont (West Chester University) the Paula Turocy Scholarship. Kelly Hoots (Moravian College) was the winner of the graduate free communications presentation titled “Pre-Participation Dance Screening Predictors of Injury in Collegiate Dancers” and Marissa Breymeier (West Chester University) was the graduate winner for her poster presentation titled “A Comparison of Daily Activity Levels between College Females with Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament History and Healthy Matched Controls.”
Athletic Training Students from PATS also were successful during the EATA Quiz Bowl. The top three finalists advanced to represent District 2 at the NATA Quiz Bowl this summer. The fourth place finalist will serve as an alternate. Anthony DeCarlo (Slippery Rock University) and Bryan Hicks (King’s College) finished in first and second place respectively. Ryan Thomson (Temple University) finished in fourth place.
Next year, the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association Convention will be held on January 10th-14th in Valley Forge, PA.
For more information regarding this topic or to schedule an interview with PATS President George Roberts, Med, LAT, ATC (president@gopats.org), please contact Linda Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC, PATS Executive Director, at patsexecutivedirector@gopats.org.
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society, Inc. is a progressive organization of licensed healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. Our society continues to increase public awareness and education regarding Athletic Trainers and the Athletic Training profession while serving as the premier source of information for public safety, injury and illness prevention, early intervention, patient care, and healthcare delivery for the physically active in the Commonwealth.
“A Keystone to a Healthy and Physically Active Life”
