What’s going on in Arkansas?

The weekend of the 11th, the athletic trainers in Arkansas came together for our annual meeting and symposium.  We had a record number of attendees with 223 Arkansans, 3 Texans and one from Oklahoma.  As always, we had a great time, got some business done, learned a ton, raised money for legislation, and honored our own as we inducted two great ATs into the AATA Fall of Fame.

During this year’s Honors and Awards banquet, we inducted BJ Maack and David Strickland into the AATA Hall of Fame.  BJ talked about the reasons an athletic trainer should do their job and David… well, he was his favorite character “I’m a big deal; The Anchorman”.  Their bronze plaques will now be placed in the AATA Fall of Fame which is located in Verizon Arena, Little Rock, AR, in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.  We also honored Chad Fink and Karen Taylor, Athletic Trainers of the Year, for saving a young athlete’s life;  Chad Floyd, Dr. Doug Parker Recognition Award, for his tireless work over the years with the Scholarship committee; and Dr. Darrell Nesmith, Honorary Membership.

This year we did a silent auction to support our legislative efforts.  We had several items from the U of A, Arkansas State, University of Central Arkansas as well as several other items.  The big item was a $500.00 cooking grill provided by the State Corrections Department.  It went for $110.00!!!  Still trying to figure out how she got it home.  Oh yah, we raised $1200.00 and I think Ron Carroll, ASU and candidate for state representative, collected some donations as well.  Good Luck in November, Ron!

This year the state of Arkansas was the second group in the country to provide the new EBP CEU’s.  For those who stayed for Sunday’s educational program go 2 EBP CEUs.  Great talk on new findings when dealing with concussions.  I think this presentation will be given at SWATA.  It is a must see.

Next year our state meeting will be hosted by the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, on April 24-26, 2015.  Anyone interested in coming up for a great time and good education can visit the AATA website in the spring for registration information.

NATA National Convention is just around the corner so don’t forget to registrar.  Anyone needing a ride to Indy?  The Mulerider Express will be headed that way on Monday, June 23rd.  Just give me a call.  Hope to see everyone in Indy as well as at SWATA in Frisco.

Written by:

Ken Cole, MS, LAT, ATC

Arkansas Representative to SWATA