The High School Athletic Training Program Award and the Student Athletic Training Award were establised to recognize outstanding high school athletic training programs and their Certified Athletic Trainers in the state of Colorado.

The goal of the awards is to provide funds to assist high school athletic training programs in the following areas:

• Prevention and care of high school athletic injuries.
• Education and training of high school students pursuing careers in the athletic training profession or other health related fields.
• Providing certified athletic trainers with more resources to perform their duties.

Winners will receive funds to use for supplies, equipment or educational opportunities to enhance the athletic training program at school.

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Program Information and Applications

I. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Any Colorado High School that is a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association and has a Certified Athletic Trainer as a member of their athletic staff can apply for this award.

II. AWARDS

A. High School Athletic Training Program Award
An award of $2,000 will be presented to two high school athletic training programs. Jim Gillen, Head Athletic Trainer of the Denver Nuggets, will present the awards at a Nuggets game in March to the head athletic trainer of the winning programs in conjunction with “National Athletic Trainers Month.” Members of the winning programs will also be given a tour of the Denver Nuggets athletic training facilities. Two Runner-up awards of $500 will be given.

B. Student Athletic Training Program Award
Five $200 scholarships will be awarded to student athletic trainers to be used for workshops at the National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification schools.

III. MEMBERS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE

A. Jim Gillen, ATC – Head Athletic Trainer for the Denver Nuggets
B. Deb Dowling – Vice President, Kroenke Sports Community Relations
C. Bill Hanzlik – Gold Crown Foundation
D. Dr. Steve Traina – Team Physician and Orthopedic Surgeon for the Denver Nuggets
E. Paul DiNapoli – Centennial Sales & Associates
F. David McReynolds – President, Columbine Health Plan

IV. CONTRIBUTORS TO THE AWARDS

A. Columbine Health Plan (David McReynolds)
B. Gold Crown Foundation (Bill Hanzlik)
C. Kroenke Sports Charities (Deb Dowling)
D. Centennial Sales (Paul DiNapoli)
E. Dr. Steve Traina Orthopedic Associates, LLC.

V. PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

2007-08 High School Athletic Training Award
Larry Franca, ATC – Dakota Ridge High School
John Salvatore, ATC – Fountain-Fort Carson High School

2006-07 High School Athletic Training Award
Jaclyn Lucas, ATC – Elizabeth High School
Steve Rath – Horizon High School

2005-06 High School Athletic Training Award
Kevin Margarucci, ATC – Lewis Palmer High School
Tom Bashline, ATC – Brighton High School
Brittany Daniels – Grandview High School
Hannah Oliver – Cheyenne Mountain High School
Tara Scott – Cheyenne Mountain High School

2005-06 High School Athletic Training Award - Runner Up Schools
Jaclyn Lucas – Elizabeth High School
Catherine West – Columbine High School

2004-05 High School Athletic Training Award
Chris Mathewson, ATC – Ponderosa High School
Bob Timm, ATC – Widefield High School

2004-05 Student Athletic Training Award
Diana Speake – Elizabeth High School
Shelly Loomer – Highlands Ranch High School

2003-04 High School Athletic Training Award
Todd McKerner, ATC – Grandview High School
Jenn Meyer – Grandview High School
Jim Campbell, ATC – Overland High School

VI. APPLICATION PROCESS

A. High School Athletic Training Program Award

• In addition to completing the application, all applicants must submit three formal letters of recommendation (from coaches, physicians, former athletes, peer athletic trainers, etc.).
• Applications will be narrowed to four semifinalists, all of whom will receive an on-site visit from a member of the selection committee.
• All applications must be received by Friday, February 27,2009.
• Application forms can be obtained either below or at the Colorado Athletic Trainers Association website (www.rmata.org/cata). Applicants can also e-mail Jim Gillen for more information at jgillen@pepsicenter.com.

  B. Student Athletic Training Program Award
  

• Students must be nominated by their supervising athletic trainer, a coach or a faculty member from their school. Additionally, students must be assisting as an athletic trainer at their respective high school and have an interest in pursuing a career in athletic training.
• Student applicants must include a completed application form and an essay on any topic related to Sports Medicine.
• All applications must be received by Friday, February 27,2009.

If you would like to apply for one of the programs, or both, then here's your chance. Just print off this Application Form, fill it out, and either mail or fax the applications to:

Mail to:

Denver Nuggets
Attn: Jim Gillen
Athletic Trainer
1000 Chopper Cir.
Denver, CO 80204

Fax to:

(303) 405-1120

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