SLU AT Students Enjoy Unique Learning Environment with Staff and Students at Lindenwood-Belleville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lindenwood University-Belleville

By: Ben Wildman (SLU MAT Class of 2018) and Sarah Menzuber (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

This semester, we have joined the Athletic Training staff and students at Lindenwood University-Belleville. We have greatly benefitted from the abundant insight and experience of our many preceptors as we work with the Lynx football team. Our clinical experience has proven to be a unique and dynamic learning environment as we not only learn from our preceptors but also our peers in the Lindenwood-Belleville Athletic Training program. We began the semester in August assisting with football pre-season camp. During camp we learned the importance of recognizing and tending to urgent situations. We also had opportunities to work with individual student-athletes as they progress through the various stages of injuries and rehabilitation. 

Each day we arrive and assist with various duties from rehab to practice prep and then cover football practice. We arrive two hours before practice to begin rehab with the injured student-athletes. Having the opportunity to go to Lindenwood almost every day allows us to get to know the athletes and their injuries thoroughly, which provides us with the knowledge for improved rehab and treatment options. During practice, as an Athletic Training Staff, we oversee the whole field so we can assist any athlete that may need critical attention.  We are also there to provide quick fixes to the athletes, from bandaging a wound to assuring they stay hydrated, so they can return to play. 

Game days are incredibly exciting. We enjoy the energy the Lynx bring to each game and regardless of the result they are proud of the continuing development as a team and program. On game days, the importance of urgency is especially stressed, as the game is fast-paced and athletes, coaches, and fans, are looking for efficient and effective solutions. Also, these days can be very rewarding for both the players and us as athletic training students –whether we take home a win or help an injured athlete return to play to score the winning touchdown. We are looking forward to the next few weeks with home games to cheer on the team! Go Lynx! 

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.