NATA President Jim Thornton Visits SLU AT Program

On February 11, 2013, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program had the opportunity to have National Athletic Trainers' Association President Jim Thornton visit its program, where he interacted with over 100 students, faculty and community members in the Allied Health Building on SLU's Medical Center Campus.  The reason for his visit was to attend the 2013 Initiation Ceremony of SLU's Alpha Iota Chapter of Iota Tau Alpha, the national athletic training honor society.

NATA President Jim Thornton with new ITA Members: Michelle Cybulski, Dan Herrin, Nick Gastorf, Hilary Orf,, Jessica Smith and Abby Breseman.

The ceremony welcomed the following new ITA members:  Abby Breseman, Michelle Cybulski, Nick Gastorf, Dan Herrin, Hilary Orf and Jessica Smith.  The ceremony was presided over by SLU ITA Officers Ryan Vallo, Bridget Quirk and Sarah Reifsteck.

After the ceremony Mr. Thornton gave an inspiring address focusing on professional engagement and the pursuit of excellence in health care.  He also helped explain the NATA's role and the significance of the Youth Sports Safety Summit which took place in Washington DC in February 2013.  Food and refreshments for the event were provided by TOSA Medical.

The large crowd present for the event enjoyed a reception afterwards in the lobby of the Allied Health Building.

Mr. Thornton also met with SLU AT students earlier in the day stressing the importance of involvement and professionalism for young professionals in the future of athletic training.

Overall it was an outstanding day and great opportunity for our students and the SLU AT program in general.