Dowell "Doc" Fontenot

Dowell "Doc" Fontenot, 76, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2007 in a local hospital.

Dowell was born in Vidrine, La on September 5, 1931.  He attended Vidrine High School where he was a member of the high school boxing team, winning state championships in 1946 and 1947.  He went on to attend McNeese Junior College in a boxing scholarship, winning two national boxing championships.  Following college graduation, Dowell served two years in the U.S. Army.  When he left the Army, he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.  While working toward his Masters of Education degree, he served as Student Athletic Trainer.  In 1956, Dowell began his twenty-year career as the first Athletic Trainer at McNeese State College.  In 1960, he attended Herman Hospital School of Physical Therapy.  He returned to McNeese State College in his capacity as Athletic Trainer and Associate Professor.  In 1975, he retired from McNeese and went into practice as the first private physical therapist in Calcasieu Parish, retiring from private practice in 1987.  Dowell has received numerous honors throughout his career, including "Distinguished Faculty" award, McNeese "President's Cup", McNeese Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Athletic Trainer's Association Hall of Fame.  In 2000, the Dowell "Doc" Fontenot Sports Medicine Center was dedicated, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Louisiana Physical Therapists Hall of Fame.

Dowell is survived by his wife, Madlyn Russell Fontenot, daughter Dana Fontenot Sorrells from Lake Charles, son Brett Alec Fontenot and daughter-in-law, Sylvia from Dallas, Texas, three grandchildren, Chandler Sorrells, Zachary Fontenot, and Camille Fontenot, two sisters, Bonnie Fontenot and Sherry Vidrine.

Dowell was preceded in death by his parents, Lula and Gilbert Fontenot, and brother Darnell Fontenot.

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Brady B. Greathouse, AT Retired

Brady B. Greathouse, former Head Athletic Trainer, University of Florida, passed away on September 15, 2006. Brady Greathouse was born October 26, 1924, in Greenville, Illinois.  He attended high school in Birmingham, Alabama.  In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for three years. In 1944 he married his wife of 62 years, Mary E. Danielsen Greathouse.  They have four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Brady received a B.S. Ag. Degree in 1948 and a M. Ag. Degree in 1951, both from the University of Florida where he lettered as an athletic trainer.  Brady had been an athletic trainer since his days in high school where he worked with a chiropractor and all of his school's teams.  He worked with local high schools (EHS, GHS, and Bradford High School) as well as with professional sports (baseball, football, and track), colleges, amateur athletics, (AAU, TAC, US Track and Field, Olympics: summer and winter games, Florida Sunshine Games Millrose Games), and others (such as the Gainesville Civic Ballet).  He was an innovator (taping techniques) and inventor/patent holder (Gatorade/Hydraulic Football Helmet).  Much of his work had been done as a volunteer whether at local, state, national, or international events as well as with individual athletes.  He had been a long time member of the NATA. Brady was proud to be a member of the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame and the Athletic Trainer's Association of Florida Hall of Fame.

Ramona "Mona" Barron
Ramona "Mona" Barron of Buford, Ga., died in August after an illness. She was 32 years old. Barron was a teacher and athletic trainer at Central Gwinnett High School in Georgia. She was licensed and certified in 2004 and had been an active NATA and SEATA member for several years.

She attended St. Paul United Methodist Church. Barron is survived by her parents, John and Linda; two brothers, Johnny and Michael; grandfather, Carlos Watson; one niece, Addison; one nephew, Joseph; an aunt, Neila Sullins; and an uncle, Marvin Watson.

Donna K. DeSilvey

Donna DeSilvey, who was pursuing a career in athletic training, died in August when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.  She was 34 years old. DeSilvey was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi.  She was employed as an athletic trainer in Shreveport at the time of her death.

A Mississippi native, DeSilvey had attended a memorial service for her paternal grandfather the week of the hurricane.  As the storm approached, she gathered with her parents and maternal grandparents in Ocean Springs, Miss., to face Hurricane Katrina in the same home in which they had all weathered Hurricane Camille in 1969. DeSilvey’s father, Doug DeSilvey, is the only one who survived.

“I told them all to hold hands, and we would stay together,” DeSilvey told a California newspaper. “I said that we might have to jump in the water.  I told them not to swim, but to float and find something to grab on to.

“I heard a whirling noise and the whole roof came up – you could see daylight,” DeSilvey said.  “When the roof came back down, the walls were already gone.  And then, the floor gave away, and we all went down.  The weight of the roof on the second floor is what drowned my family.”

DeSilvey had battled a rare form of bone cancer that threatened her life as a 20-year-old student in 1992.  By 1997, she had prevailed against the disease and returned to her dreams of working in sports medicine.  As a certified athletic trainer, she owned D2K Fitness Solutions for Busy People in Shreveport. She also gave presentations about athletic training.

DeSilvey died with her mother, Linda DeSilvey; and grandparents, Ted and Nadine Gifford.  She is survived by her father, Doug DeSilvey.

Amanda M. Perry, MEd, ATC

Amanda McMillan Perry, an elementary school physical education teacher and athletic trainer, died in May 2005 following a motor vehicle accident. She was 34 years old. After earning two bachelor’s degrees – in health/physical education and sports medicine – Perry earned a master’s degree from Valdosta State University. She joined the Brooks County School System in Georgia, where she worked as a PE teacher at Quitman Elementary and as the athletic trainer for Brooks County High School. The Trojans football team this year lists her as #99 on the team roster, with the inscription "Forever in our hearts."

Perry was helping transport a swimming pool as part of Quitman Elementary’s end-of-year celebration when the accident occurred. Colleagues throughout the school system noted her dedication to students.

Perry attended Sturgeon Creek Primitive Baptist Church and served as team captain for the school district’s Cancer Relay for Life team in 2005. She was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed working in her yard and spending time on the family farm.

She is survived by her husband of nine years, Charles "Bucky" Perry; one son, Charles "Mac"; one daughter, Anna; parents, Ralph and Carol McMillan; two sisters, Jennifer (husband Andrew) Thompson and Tori (husband Ray) Smith; grandparents, Hugh and Ethel Turner; and several aunts, nieces and nephews.

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Ricky B. McCall

Grambling State's longtime athletic trainer Ricky McCall, lost his battle with cancer during the weekend. McCall, a Delhi native, had worked as GSU's athletic trainer since 1990. His determined effort to continue working through illness and his always-sunny disposition remain a source of inspiration.

"I feel honored to say that Rick was a friend of mine," said William Hobdy, a former GSU basketball player and nephew of legendary Tigers hoops coach Fred Hobdy. "He was a person that could turn your frown into a smile because of the charisma that he constantly displayed. He was there for me on many occasions as a friend."

Certified with both the Louisiana and the National Athletic Trainers Association in sports medicine, McCall was assigned to work with every program on campus. Assistant trainer Patricia Taylor, on staff since 1996, has been filling in.

"Ricky was the glue that held this team together," said GSU football coach Melvin Spears, who finished an injury-riddled 2004 season at 6-5. "He brought stability and calmness to a tough situation when these players got hurt. He did a remarkable job in making sure they got the care they needed to get back on the field."

After he learned of the cancer diagnosis, McCall sought alternative treatments outside the United States in an aggressive effort to beat his disease.

"Ricky McCall," Spears said, "was a warrior. We are going to add his name to our award for courage."

The community also reached out. Members of the Grambling Sports Radio Network, led by sideline reporter Eric Lydell, collected donations last year to help defray treatment expenses.

McCall never slowed down. He would spend his last days fighting the cancer growing inside of him, but continued attending to GSU's student-athletes and caring for coaching legend Eddie Robinson, who suffers from Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

Lydell said that's why he wanted to pay tribute to McCall — who was not only a good friend, but also a selfless benefactor throughout the community.

"He worked with the high schools and came out for church functions. He was always there," said Lydell. "That was something I admired about Rick. No matter what he was going through — even when he was in the hospital — he never stopped working for others. He would call from the hospital to check back to make sure everything was going well."

McCall began work in Grambling after earning a degree in sports medicine from the United States Sports Academy, then earned a master's degree in sports administration from GSU.

"I was so proud of him when he became the head trainer at GSU," said Hobdy. "His presence will be missed, but I thank God for the period of time that I was allowed to be associated with him."

McCall is survived by his former wife, Amanda, and their two children — 18-year-old daughter Metria and 17-year-old son Valon.
 

Ted Childs, PhD, PT, ATC
Theodore Francis Childs, Sr. was born a third generation native New Yorker on Feb. 17, 1921, the third child of Andrew Wesley Childs, Sr. and Maude Thompson Childs.  His older siblings were Andrew W. Childs, Jr. and the late Elizabeth Childs Miller.

He graduated from high school in Jamaica, N.Y.; received his B. S. degree from Shaw University, his Masters from the University of Iowa in physical therapy and his Doctorate in special education from Columbia University.  His early college education was interrupted by military service during World War II where he served in the Central Pacific.  Later, he served in the army reserves for 25 years and retired as a lieutenant colonial.

Dr. Childs had a distinguished career as an educator and rehabilitation specialist, which included physical therapist with the Veterans Administration hospitals, pediatric therapist at the Harlem Hospital, and coordinator of therapy services at New York University Medical Center/Goldwater Memorial Hospital.  He was the director of Special Educational Services Programs for Long Island University which was a model for colleges and universities around the country educating students with severe physical disabilities.  Some of his graduates from this program have had distinguished careers in many fields.  As a result, he was honored for the development of outstanding programs nationally and internationally.

He left New York to develop the physical therapy curriculum at Tuskegee University and coordinate other allied health programs.  Later, he served as chairperson for the department of education and rehabilitation services at Talladega College; chairperson of Interdisciplinary Studies Program for Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Alabama State University. He represented many professional organizations and federal government agencies in conferences held in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Dr. Childs background in sports was also impressive.  He was elected to the Shaw University Football Hall of Fame in 1995; he was a certified athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts (l957-62) and New York Jets (1963).  His work as an athletic trainer for the Para-Olympics took him to many international games including Korea, the Netherlands and England.

In New York State, Dr. Childs was active in politics and was the first black candidate from Long Island to run for the State legislature.  He served three terms as a member of the Nassau County Board of Cooperative Education.  His hobby in the study of Black American Politics and Military History made him a popular lecturer nationwide.

Dr. Childs completed his earthly pilgrimage on Friday, February 25, 2005.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Marie Jackson Childs, his daughter Sheilah Berg (Dean), son Theodore, Jr., (Peggy), grandchildren Jordan Berg and Brea Childs; brother Andrew (Delcie) and a host of loving relatives and friends.

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Henry Leroy "Buck" Andel

Henry Leroy "Buck" Andel, 83, of Atlanta passed away Sunday, February 13, 2005 at Noble Village in Atlanta of complications from a neck injury and lung problems.  A native Atlantan, he played football for and graduated from Boys High.  He went on to graduate from Georgia Tech where he lettered in both baseball and football.  Mr. Andel was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts for his service.  From 1948 until 1969, he was the head athletic trainer of all sports including track, basketball, baseball and wrestling at Georgia Tech during which time he served 13 Bowl teams.  For 18 of those years, he was a key member of the staff of Bobby Dodd, legendary head football coach from 1945 to 1966.

"I depended on Buck a great deal," Mr. Dodd said in 1987. "I never questioned when he told me a player was not ready to play; if he did, I didn't play the player. If he told me a player was all right, I would put him in the game. I had complete confidence in Buck."

"When Georgia Tech made its big move to be recognized as a real college football power, Buck Andel was the athletic trainer," said All-American linebacker George Morris of Atlanta, a member of the 1950-52 teams. "Buck was on the cutting edge of the profession.  He led calisthenics, which we had never done before.  He didn't cut you much slack. He knew who was really hurt and who just wanted to be stroked a little bit."

"Buck was a great athletic trainer, considered one of the best in the country," said All-American lineman Ray Beck of Cedartown, a Tech player 1949-1951. "If a player came in with a pulled groin or pulled muscle, he'd put you in the whirlpool and get on some liniment.  He'd make sure you weren't faking and get you back on the field as soon as possible.  But if you were hurt, he'd realize it and give you great rehab treatment."

Mr. Andel was in charge of travel arrangements for the Tech teams, too.  He did not tolerate laggards. His catchphrase, said Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports columnist Furman Bisher, was, "Be late, be left."

He was an Athletic Trainer at the Olympics in 1960.  He was honored with memberships in the NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) Hall of Fame (1986), the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame (1968), and a citation from the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. After leaving Tech, Mr. Andel was best known as a salesman of upscale men's clothing at the Zachry stores downtown and at Lenox Square mall.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, June Garner Andel. Survivors include two sons, Michael Henry Andel, New Richmond, OH, and Kelly Bryan Andel, Atlanta; a daughter; Theresa June Prater, Lawrenceville; three grandchildren, Alex Andel, Ben Andel, and Ivy Griggs; and three great-grandchildren.

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Ray S. Baggett, Ed.D., ATC

Ray was an Adjunct Professor at Troy University for the last 10 years and long time SEATA member.  He retired from Indiana State University in 1995.  A veteran of the US Air Force, he received his bachelors from Troy State, Masters from Indiana University, and Doctorate from the University of Alabama.  His career spanned service at Indiana University, West Point, 30 years at Indiana State, and most recently at Troy State.  Ray was a lifetime member of the NATA and Phi Delta Kappa National Honorary Fraternity.  He touched the lives of thousands of young men and women through his efforts as an Athletic Trainer and educator.

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Dr. Jack C. Hughston

Jack C. Hughston, MD, orthopedist and pioneer of sports medicine, dies in Columbus, GA. Jack C. Hughston, MD, orthopedist, founder of The Hughston Clinic, and one of the pioneers in the field of sports medicine died September 6, 2004 at his home in Cataula, Georgia. He is survived by his wife Sarah Hardaway Hughston; children Jack Chandler Hughston, Louise Hughston O’Kelley, Edgar Mayo Hughston; and grandchildren Sally Foley Hughston, Sarah Hughston O’Kelly, and Jack Mayo Hughston.

Dr. Hughston, 87, was born in Florence, Alabama, grew up in Columbus Georgia, established The Hughston Clinic in 1949 and became one of the most respected practitioners of orthopedics and sports medicine in the country.

In the early 1950’s, Dr. Hughston became a leader in developing the Crippled Children’s Clinics of the Public Health Department in Georgia. At the same time, he developed an interest in the welfare of athletes in area high schools and at Auburn University, and over the next several years, he became one of the pioneers of the specialty of sports medicine.

He was Chairman of Sports Medicine for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons from 1965 through 1975. He was one of the founders of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the International Society of the Knee, and an honorary member of the National Athletic Trainers Association. He started the American Journal of Sports Medicine, a prestigious scientific journal, of which he was editor from 1972 through 1989. In 1970, Dr. Hughston was appointed clinical professor and The Hughston Clinic participated in the training of Tulane orthopaedic residents for more than 20 years. He received an honorary doctor of science degree from Auburn University and was an adjunct professor at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Hughston devoted the greater part of his life to education and research in orthopaedics and sports medicine. His concept of a foundation for teaching and research as a necessary part of the clinical practice of orthopaedics became a reality when he established the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation. Another result of his lifelong dedication to sports medicine is the Hughston Sport Medicine Hospital--the first hospital of its kind, which was built by the Hospital Corporation of America in Columbus, Georgia in 1984.

Physician, educator, and author, Dr. Hughston wrote several books and numerous scientific articles that were published in peer-reviewed medical journals. He is well known for his work treating knee injuries and for being the first to establish postdoctoral fellowships in sports medicine that allow physicians who have completed their exposure to orthopaedic sports medicine.

“The entire Hughston community mourns the loss of our mentor, Dr. Jack Hughston,” said John I. Waldrop, MD, President of The Hughston Clinic. “We will sorely miss him, but his legacy will last for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Sarah, and the entire Hughston family.”

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Milton White Neathery, Jr.

Milton White Neathery, Jr. 48, died March 17, 2004.  Born in Knoxville, TN, he was the son of Dr. Milton, Sr. and Marie Neathery of Athens. Mr. Neathery was a member of the first graduating class (1973) and first football team of Cedar Shoals High School. He was a 1977 Health and Physical Education graduate of the University of Georgia and a member of the Georgia football team. Following graduation, he became teacher, coach and trainer at Cedar Shoals High School from 1977 until present. He was awarded Sertoma Man of the Year in 1986. He was also an EMT. Mr. Neathery was an active member of Green Acres Baptist Church, serving in numerous capacities, including chairman of the deacons, Sunday School teacher and youth leader.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 11:00 AM at Green Acres Baptist Church with Rev. Don Leaptrott and Dr. Tim Vaughn officiating. Interment will be in Athens Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Steve Griffin, Milton Mills, Dr. Larry Guthrie, Pat Perrin, Jim Kirby and Sgt. Major Greg Jordan.

Honorary pallbearers will be coaches and football team members at Cedar Shoals HS. Survivors in addition to his parents, include his wife, Diane Price Neathery; 3 children, Joshua Bryan Neathery, Kathryn Marie Neathery and Joanne Elizabeth Neathery.

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James "Jamie" Fletcher, ATC

James F. Fletcher, a wellness director and an instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, died when his plane crashed near the Alabama/Florida border in 2004. He was 48 years old.

Fletcher, a Navy veteran, was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado., and moved to Florida in 1986 from Gramby, Colorado.  He was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, where he was a lectern, and was a volunteer with the American Red Cross and the Literacy Council.

Fletcher was a member of the NATA and had identified the university/educator setting as his practice setting.  He also belonged to Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association, the American Bonanza Society and the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Central Florida.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Kathleen; a son, Zack, and a daughter, Meredi Fletcher; his parents, Dave and Marie Fletcher; two brothers, Paul and Peter; and a sister, Mary Forstall.

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Rosemary Hinton
Rosemary Hinton, a longtime teacher and athletic trainer who had become an athletics director, died after being struck by lightning on the sidelines of a game in Vero Beach, Fla., in 2003. She was 46 years old.

Hinton, a Florida native, earned a bachelor’s degree from Biola University in Los Angeles and attended Chapman College, where she completed requirements for her ATC credential. She also earned a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

She taught courses for the American Red Cross and volunteered as an athletic trainer in the 1982 Olympics, the 1986 Pan-Am Games and the 1996 Olympics. For 16 years, she worked at Saint Edward’s School, where she taught science and PE, coached girls varsity golf, soccer, volleyball and softball, and served as both the athletic trainer and the athletics director. During the summer, she taught water sports camps.

She is survived by her partner of 14 years, Barbara McClure; and an extended family of cousins: Sue Ann Hinton; Lyn (husband Chris) Blahnick; Lee (husband Larry) Reisman; Jan (husband Shane) Styron; John (wife Patti) Hinton; Marjorie Hinton; Suzanne Kugler; Rodney Lang; David (wife Linda) Cribben; Rosann (husband Robert) Cribben; and David (wife April) McGuirt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bailey and Maxine Hinton; and brother, Denny Hinton.

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Martin J. Broussard

A professor and athletic trainer at LSU for more than 60 years, died Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at 3 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.  He was 84, a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Abbeville.  He served as a U.S. Army medic during World War II. Survived by his former wife, Margaret C. Broussard, Baton Rouge; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and William S. Beall Jr., Baton Rouge; two sons and a daughter-in-law, M.J. "Buddy" Jr. and Lynne Broussard, and R.A. "Randy" Broussard, all of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Margaret Baudoin and Therese Abel, both of Lafayette; four grandchildren, Trey Beall and wife Shelly, Nicole Broussard Hayes and husband Daniel, Pvt. Joseph Broussard and Johnathan Broussard; and two greatgrandchildren, Brianna and Londyn Beall.  Preceded in death by his parents, P.O. Sr. and Katherine Peters Broussard; three brothers, L.O., Edwin and P.O. Broussard Jr.; a sister, Helen Burdin; and granddaughter and namesake, Marti Lynn Beall.  He was a member of the L Club, ODK, Phi Delta Kappa and National Trainers Association.

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Andy “Doc” Bryan

Any “Doc” Bryan, a veteran certified athletic trainer, died in February.  He was 49 years old. As a certified athletic trainer, Bryan logged countless hours and almost three decades of service to college athletes and physically active members of the community.

A Mississippi native, Bryan graduated from Noxubee County High School in 1969 and continued his education at Delta State University.  After earning his degree in 1974, Bryan became head athletic trainer at his college alma mater, where he worked for 18 years.  Bryan is remembered as being a positive role model for numerous athletes, coaches, students, administrators and others of the Delta State Community.

In 1988, he left the university to provide athletic training services in the clinic and hospital settings.  He worked briefly for Doctors Hospital before assuming the role of co-director of athletic training services at University Hospital in Jackson, MS.  He also worked for the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Jackson form 1989 through 2001.

Bryan was an active member of the NATA, the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, giving unselfishly of his time and talent to promote the athlete’s wellbeing and foster positive relationships between all parties involved in athletic health care.  He became known for his jovial demeanor and commitment to continued safety for the physically active population. Throughout his career, Bryan served as a mentor for dozens of athletic training students and athletes.

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Aimee Gunnoe, MS, ATC

Aimee Gunnoe, an Instructor in the Athletic Training program at Georgia Southern University, was killed April 8, 2002 in a traffic accident on her way home from working as an athletic trainer at a cheerleading competition in Daytona Beach, FL.  She was 29 years old.

At Georgia Southern she has served as clinical coordinator for the past 3 years and as a clinical athletic trainer for men's/women's tennis.  This spring she was hired in this role permanently.

Aimee completed her undergraduate education at James Madison University and her masters degree at the University of Florida.  Prior to arriving at Georgia Southern she was the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL from 1996-1999.  She had also served as the certified athletic trainer with Vanguard High School in Florida.  Outside of GSU, she frequently served as volunteer on the medical staff for the United States Taekwondo Union, covering events such as the Junior Olympics, National Championships, and Junior and Senior National Team Trials.  In September 2001 she was selected to accompany the Junior National Team to the Junior Pan American Games in Chile.  During the summer, she worked as an athletic trainer for the National Cheerleaders Association covering camps and competitions such as the College National Cheer and Dance Championships.  This past January, she was selected to accompany High School All-Americans as they provided the pre-game and half time entertainment at the 2002 Hula Bowl, in Maui, Hawaii.

She was a past member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, Golden Key National Honor Society and Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

She had a real love for the profession of athletic training and as such she will be buried in her athletic training clothes--khakis, sneakers and her white GSU Athletic Training polo shirt to commemorate her love for her job and profession.  A public viewing will be held in Lynchburg, VA on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., and her funeral service will be on Thursday at 2:00 p.m.  A GSU memorial will be held next Monday afternoon on the GSU campus to commemorate Aimee as both a student and faculty member at Georgia Southern University.

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Kimberly McMichael, MS, ATC

Kimberly McMichael an athletic trainer for Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center of Jackson was killed in a traffic accident in February 2002.

Kimberly received her Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training from the University of Southern Mississippi.  She also graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in health and wellness.  She provided outreach coverage for the Grenada area through Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center.

McMichael had become active in the Mississippi Athletic Trainers' Association and had served as a regional representative.

She is survived by her father, Doug; her mother, Darlene; her brother, Chris; and her stepmom, Kathy. She earned her certification in 1994 and was 31 years old.

 

Phillip A. Cooper

On September 1, 2001, Phillip A. Cooper of Orlando, Florida was killed in an automobile accident.  Phillip was returning to Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, Florida to begin his sophomore year in Athletic Training Educational Program.  At the young age of 20 years old, Phillip Cooper accomplished many things in the field of Athletic Training including being a member of the FSC Athletic Training Educational Program Curriculum Committee and being chosen Athletic Training Student of the Week.  Even as freshman, Phillip mentored and inspired other Athletic Training Students.  He was loved and admired by his peers, his educators, and by the student athletes.

His dedication to the athletic training profession started as University High School in Orlando, working with Athletic Trainer Christina Farley.  He proved to be a leader with the athletic training students and cared deeply about the student athletes.  His passion spread beyond the classroom and athletic training room and into his daily activities.  He participated in weightlifting, music, and was an active member in his temple.

He is survived by his parents Gary and Ann, sister Rene, brother Paul, and sister-in-law Mary Jo.  His dedication and compassionate personality will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues at Florida Southern College.

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David Wike, ATC

David Wike first set foot on the University of Miami campus in 1938 when he was awarded a football scholarship.  He hitch-hiked from his hometown of Wilkinsburg, PA to get there.  When his playing career was cut short by a back injury, Wike decided to help the athletic trainer to stay involved.  It was the time he spent with the athletic trainer that made him decide to become an athletic trainer.

His entry into the profession after his graduation was delayed by World War II.  During the war, Wike served as an armored gunman on a B-24, flying 48 missions before being shot down over the Adriatic Sea.  Wike had to tread water for 7 hours before he was picked up by a fishing boat.

In 1947, he returned tot eh UM and became the school’s athletic trainer.  In 1952, be became a charter member of the NATA and attended the first meeting of the organization in Kansas City.

In addition to serving as the athletic trainer at the University of Miami, Wike was also an athletic trainer for the 1968 US Olympic Boxing team (which included 18 year-old George Foreman).  He also spent two years as the UM men’s basketball coach.

Dave was also present at a few of the first meetings of athletic trainer in Florida.  Those meetings lead to the formation of The Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. David Wike passed away on June 8, 2000 in Tallahassee, Florida.

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Dr. Rudy J. Ellis

On June 2, 1997, the family, friends, athletes, and community mourned the loss of a pioneer in sports medicine for the state of Kentucky, Dr. Rudy J. Ellis.  Dr. Ellis passed away while he was in his home state of Mississippi to attend a high school class reunion.  Dr. Ellis was 78 years old and was the long time team physician for the University of Louisville.

Dr. Ellis and his partners act as team physicians for the following teams:  Bellarmine College, Spalding College, St. Catharine College, Sullivan College, Louisville Redbirds, and numerous other teams.  In addition, Dr. Ellis took great pride in taking care of the high school athlete.  He was instrumental in establishing a program to make sure that all high schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, had a team physician for all football games.  He developed a program called “Super Saturday” in which high school athletes that could not afford a preseason physical could come get a free physical.  He also made sure that all Kentucky High School Athletic Association championships had some form of medical coverage while they were played in Louisville.  These are just a few of his accomplishments.

Dr. Ellis has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career.  A few that stood out to him were the 1992 Outstanding Sports Medicine Person given by SEATA.  In 1993, the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association bestowed on Dr. Ellis a Service Award that now bears his name.  In 1994, Dr. Ellis was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.

A quote for Jerry May, ATC, head basketball athletic trainer from the University of Louisville, sums it all up:  “Dr. Ellis has been a leader in sports medicine for over 35 years.  His commitment to all athletes, over the years, has been a major influence in many of these young people lives.  He has been the doctor, father, teacher, and best friend to me-for all of these years!! He will be greatly missed.”  He is survived by his wife Ruth Anne, four children, and four grandchildren.

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Brian Aaron Keicher

Brian Keicher, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Greenville High School (GHS) passed on April 7, 1997 in Greenville, Tennessee.  Brian served GHS, his alma mater, in many different capacities since graduating in 1976.  While pursuing a degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Brian volunteered as an athletic trainer for GHS.  Upon graduation from ETSU, Brian spent one year in South Carolina before returning to GHS in 1982 to work part-time as the Head Athletic Trainer at GHS.  Upon his certification in 1993, Brian became one of the few full-time certified athletic trainers on the high school level in Tennessee.  He served as a volunteer athletic trainer for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and served as a venue athletic trainer for Field Hockey.  Brian was a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, Tennessee Athletic Trainer’s Society, and the Mountain Empire Sports Medicine Society.  He was a guiding force in developing the Greene County Sports Medicine Outreach Program that was developed to provide sports medicine coverage for High Schools in the Greene County area.  Brian will be most remembered for his passion for the field of athletic training and his dedication to preparing future athletic trainers.  Since his hiring at GHS, Brian sent out many well-prepared student athletic trainers to colleges all over the Southeast.

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Dr. Pinky Lipscomb
The sports medicine community of Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas lost a true and valued friend when Dr. Lipscomb passed away on April 7, 1996. Dr. Lipscomb was recognized as a pioneer in the field of sports medicine having begun his career in 1948.  It was then he was asked if he would like to be the team physician at Vanderbilt University, a position he accepted and held until 1990.During those 42 years, his devotion to caring for athletes from all levels of competition was unequaled.  He was continually pursuing the latest knowledge and techniques that would allow him to continue as a leader in sports medicine.

Dr. Lipscomb was an outstanding basketball and baseball player while a student at Vanderbilt.  His competitiveness there carried into his medical practice.  While at times seeming somewhat gruff and demanding, he really only wanted each and every one of those athletes to be a winner; whether winning over adversity as a result of an injury or winning on the playing field.

Perhaps more than anything else, we would remember him for his friendship, appreciation and understanding of the athletic trainer.  I was fortunate to work with him for over 20 years.  During that time he never said no when I needed him.  Other members of the training profession would say the same thing.  He truly appreciated the role, the education and the abilities of the athletic trainer.  When it came to managing an injured athlete Dr. Lipscomb had treated, he had complete faith in the athletic trainer.  We have lost a true friend and I, for one, shall miss him very much.

Don “Doc” “Rooster” Fauls
Don Fauls, ATC, affectionately called “Doc” or “Rooster,” died in his sleep on November 9, 1995 at 75 years old.  He was in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was planning to visit with members of the 1950 Florida State Seminole football team. Don, an Ithaca, New York, native, left his position in 1954 as an athletic trainer with the St. Louis Cardinals Association to become the head athletic trainer at Florida State University.  He retired from this position in 1986. Don was considered a legendary figure in the athletic training profession.  He shared his knowledge and skill, not only with those in the profession, but he also made his expertise available to the entire community where he lived.  Don was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame in 1981.

Don is described as being one of the central forces in the athletic program at Florida State.  He was responsible for developing an outstanding athletic training program.  On October 6, 1995, just one month before Don’s death, the athletic training room at Florida State was named “The Don Fauls Training Room.”  A bronze plaque at the entrance to the athletic training room has the following inscription:  Don Fauls has been a doctor, parent, friend and confidant to thousands of Florida State athletes for over 27 years of service in athletics.  Seminoles everywhere join to honor this special man in the naming of this (athletic) training area that provided the opportunity to help so many athletes in so many ways.  Let all who enter these doors emulate the same honesty, loyalty and integrity of this outstanding individual.

Marge Fauls passed away in June 1995, just five months before Don.  He is survived by a son, Danny, two daughters, Donna and Jackie, four sisters, Mary, Betty, Jean and Rosalie and two grandchildren.

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Melanie Smith, ATC
Melanie Smith, an athletic trainer at DCH Sports Medicine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away tragically in an automobile accident on November 15, 1992.  She was 28. Melanie graduated from the University of Alabama in May, 1988 where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology.  She was also licensed by the Alabama State Board of Health in February, 1991 as an EMT-Basic.  She was employed by DCH Sports Medicine since 1988 and gave her knowledge, skills, and dedication it Brookwood High School.

Although her death was a great tragedy, mourned not only by family and friends, but also colleagues, coaches, and athletes throughout the West Alabama area, she left an indelible impression on those people she touched, particularly those student athletes for whom she so unselfishly cared for. Melanie will be missed by her family, friends, fellow athletic trainers in Alabama, and the students, athletes, staff, and coaches at Brookwood High School.  However, the memory of her love and dedication to the profession of athletic training will long remain. Melanie is survived by her parents Jimmie and Earl Smith and brothers Bill and Russ.

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Charles Martin
Charles Martin, 54, Northeast Louisiana University’s athletic trainer for 24 years, died July 21 after being hospitalized following a stroke.

Charlie was highly respected for his research on heat problems.  He lectured extensively on heat problems and other aspects of athletic training in the United States, along with lectures in Taiwan, The Netherlands and Belgium. The Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association named him to its Hall of Fame in 1984.  In 1987 he was awarded his 25-year from the NATA, Inc. We are all very saddened by Charlie’s death and he will be missed by the many athletic trainers who had the privilege to have worked with him and learned under him. We wish the best for his wife, Jean, and son, Mike, and are very thankful for the opportunity to have known Charlie Martin.

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Wes “Doc” Knight
Wesley I. “Doc” Knight, 74, who had served as athletic trainer at the University of Mississippi for almost 28 years before his retirement in 1975, passed away April 7th at Baptist Memorial Hospital East in Memphis following a short illness.

“It’s hard to express the loss we all feel from Doc’s death,” said Ole Miss Athletic Director Warner Alford.  “I don’t think there’s one person at Ole Miss who touched more lives and had more to do with our success than Doc.  Everyone who came in contact with him loved him and appreciated him.  I will miss his daily visits and warm smile.”

As the father confessor as well as trainer for 28 Rebel football teams, Knight’s quiet, behind-the-scene handling of perhaps 1500 Ole Miss athletes made him one of the most loved athletic officials every at the University of Mississippi.

Following one national football championship, six Southeastern Conference titles, numerous championships in baseball and a large collection of individual honors, Knight retired Jan. 31, 1975, and was honored later that spring at the annual Red and Blue spring football game.

During his tenure at Ole Miss, Doc served as president of the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association in 1962-63.  He received another high honor in 1969 when he was inducted into the Helms Athletic Foundation Trainers Hall of Fame.  He was a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Trainers Association and a charter member of that association.

Knight served as trainer and physiotherapist, an instructor in physical education and assistant track coach at several institutions before joining Ole Miss.  He was associated with the Hill School, Pottstown, Pa., in 1935-37; Rensselaer Tech in 1938-45; and Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., in 1946.  In addition, he was track coach and assistant director of physical education in the Naval V-5 program at Rensselaer Tech in 1943-44, and later for the Naval Prep Program there. While serving as the Rebel track coach, Knight produced several unbeaten teams starting in 1948.  His Ole Miss track squads produced many Rebel track records.

Since his retirement, Knight had held the title of trainer emeritus at Ole Miss.  He had been active in the coaching ranks for the Special Olympics in the Oxford area and had been involved in the Hershey’s National Track and Field Youth program. A native of Providence, R.I., he is survived by his wife, the former Marion Kupp of Pottstown, Pa., and five children. Those of us who knew Doc or worked with him know of his caring for the athletes that he loved.  We are glad to know that we were able to have had him at the 1982 Summer meeting so that he could share his attitude with us.  He was a man dedicated to his profession, the profession of helping others.  Doc will be missed but his memory will give us something to build upon.