SLU AT Students Find a Welcoming Learning Environment at SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
By: Jazmon Carroll and Chase Long (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

Thus far, being at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has been a wonderful opportunity. Last spring, we both were placed at a small college which allowed us to not only grow as athletic training students, but also allowed us to gain more experience which has helped with the transition into a NCAA Division I Athletic Program like SIUE.

The staff has been amazing. Right off the bat, we knew that they were enthusiastic about having us there and wanted us to get the most out of our time here at this institution. With that said, throughout our time at SIUE, we will be rotating among sports in order to gain experience with different athletic teams and learn from different athletic trainers.

To start off these rotations, one of us has been with the women’s volleyball team under the mentorship of Emily Kurtz, ATC, while the other has been with both men’s and women’s soccer with the support of James Mays, ATC, and Ryan Salerno, ATC. By being with different sports, this is giving us the opportunity to have different experiences despite being at the same clinical site which allows us to share our experiences with each other and learn from them. 

We have also had the pleasure of collaborating with the strength and conditioning staff to ensure that the athletes at SIUE receive high quality treatment throughout every stage of his or her recovery.  Although we have only been with this group for a couple months, we are excited to see what the rest of the year brings as we continue to grow as future healthcare providers. 

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.

SLU Pre-professional AT Student Appreciates Preceptor's Relationship with Student-Athletes at SIU-Edwardsville

New AT Student Blog Post - Margaret Rowell (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

Most college students spend their time studying for exams, writing papers, and preparing presentations. This semester, our athletic training class was given the chance to observe a variety of certified athletic trainers throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The settings included nearby universities, professional sports teams, and high schools. As I am approaching the graduate school portion of SLU’s Athletic Training program, I was excited to learn from other SLU graduate students at their clinical sites. After observing for over 75 hours at different clinical sites, I enjoyed observing the athletic trainers at the university level most. I noticed that athletic trainers at universities interacted with one specific team and got to know each individual athlete on a personal level. One of the universities I enjoyed observing was SIUE. 

I observed Stephanie Ross, SLU MAT Class of 2017, at her clinical setting with SIUE softball. Her preceptor, James Mays MS, ATC, is one of the current certified athletic trainers working with SIUE Athletics. I really enjoyed the atmosphere while observing Stephanie and James interact with the Women’s Softball team. The team respected both Stephanie and James and came into the athletic training room with good spirits.

James was very close with all of his athletes and got to know each and every player. I noticed that he didn’t have to ask what tape jobs some players needed or where they needed ice. He had gotten to know each and every player and knew where each player was experiencing her injury. On top of that, James also asked players about topics outside of sports, such as their social life and academics. For example, he specifically reached out to an athlete to ask how their statistics exam went. This shows that James gets to know each and every player on a personal level, rather than just treating each athlete as a patient. Stephanie also got to know each of the athletes on a personal level. I enjoyed observing how athletic trainers are able to interact with the athletes on a personal level, while still providing quality care. I learned that creating a relaxed and open environment is key to being an athletic trainer. This ensures the athletic trainer understands the athlete as a whole. This is just one of the qualities to being an Athletic Trainer I was able to learn from experience in the clinical field, rather than from a book or class lecture.

This is one of a series of blog posts written by students entering the professional phase of the SLU AT Program as a part of MAT 3000 - AT Student Development II.

SLU AT Student Gets a Wide Range of Clinical Experiences at SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
By: Adam Beck (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

My experience at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has been a great hands on learning experience. I have worked with a lot of the athletic trainers at SIUE, but I spend a majority of my time with the head athletic trainer Gerry Schlemer, M.S.Ed., ATC, LAT. Being the head athletic trainer Gerry has more administrative duties than the assistant athletic trainers so, not only do I get to work with NCAA Division I athletes in the athletic training room but also I get a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes such as work schedules, ordering supplies, and the process of hiring athletic trainers.

I come into the athletic training room before practices start to see the athletes and assist with any re-practice or pre-­game treatment. This gives me an opportunity to hone my skills in modalities. It also gives me a good time to interact with the athletes and get to know what they like to do for treatments and what they feel works the best to help them perform. I also assist in helping a few athletes with their rehab plans. This is a great experience that SIUE offers due to the in house rehab of their athletes. 

I’ve gotten a lot of experience with different sports at SIUE such as: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and wrestling. Each sport giving me a new and interesting experience. Each athletic trainer helping me to gain knowledge on the sport and possible injuries, and also letting me help in the assessments of injuries. As the winter sports come to an end, baseball season is just starting up. I’m ready to see what new experiences I will get with Gerry during the season.

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.

SLU AT Alums Return to Share their Experiences with Current Students

SLU Athletic Training Program Alumni Panel

By: Sarah Haenchen and Olivia Robinson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

On November 28, 2016, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) hosted a panel of SLU athletic training alumni to talk to current athletic training students about their experiences and their jobs. Hilary Orf MAT, ATC (Class of 2013) works with Athletico at Westminster Christian Academy high school. Alex Sawyer MAT, ATC (Class of 2013) works in the college setting at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Kelly Peck MAT, ATC (Class of 2014) works in the industrial setting at Boeing with Work-Fit. 

It was fascinating to learn about the industrial setting because that is not a setting we are exposed to often. The AT students really enjoyed hearing the panelists talk about their clinical rotations as students and how our clinical rotations could lead to a job. The panelists also gave us great advice in the transition from being a student to a professional. This was a great event for the athletic training students to learn more about the different settings and prepare them for their future. 

SLU AT Students Benefit from Hands-on Experience at NCAA Division I SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe)
By: Brandi Burgett and Stephanie Ross (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

SIUe has been a fantastic site to learn and grow at for our final year as SLU athletic training students. We have the opportunity to work with division one athletes in top facilities. They have a wide variety of modalities that are available and multiple facilities to use. Our preceptors encourage us learn and grow into the professionals that we want to be. With hands on experience we are able have the opportunity to a relationship with the athletes in order to improve their quality in performance. We have different opportunities to work with multiple teams in a variety of athletic training rooms on campus, giving the athletes multiple places to go for help.

Stephanie Ross - Caring for Women’s Soccer team along side Ben Heimos MAT, ATC, the athletic trainer, has given me the opportunity to discuss treatment options not only for the injuries that we are currently in season with but also the baseball injuries. Ben is the athletic trainer with Baseball in the spring, and with my summer field experience being with a minor league baseball team has given me the chance to build upon my knowledge of shoulder injuries and treatment. Talking with Ben, I learned that he previously used to be with the Marlins affiliated teams. He started out working in low A baseball and then was able to move up to AA. With both his experience and my experience working with professional baseball teams I have been able to discuss a shoulder program that was done at my clinical site for the summer along with his view on what stretches for the shoulder are the best based on his experience.

Brandi Burgett -  My clinical rotation with the volleyball team and my preceptor Alex Sawyer MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2013) has given me a different fall sport experience than the normal football experience. I have really enjoyed working with volleyball more than I thought I would. Being a former volleyball player has really helped me connect with my athletes and build those relationships that I find so important in athletic training. I have been able to learn a lot from a former SLU AT student as well. We are able to discuss what we may have learned at SLU and how she has adapted it from her experiences since then.

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.

SLU AT Students Benefit from a Mix of Preceptors in an NCAA Division I Setting at SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville

By: Erika Cook and Brady Moore (MAT Class of 2016)

Another exciting semester here with the Cougars of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville! Basketball is coming to end as post season tournaments begin soon. Softball, Baseball, and women’s and men’s track competitive seasons are just beginning. This means that the athletic training room is very busy pretty much all day. Whether athletes are getting ready for practice, doing exercises in her or his rehab program, getting soft tissue work done, or getting treatment after practice, there is always plenty work to do all day long.

March is National Athletic Training Month, so we want to take the time talk about each of our preceptors for a moment. First, Gerry Schlemer, M.S.Ed., ATC, LAT, has been the head athletic trainer since 2004. He covers men’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s golf. He’s also an adjunct faculty member in the Kinesiology and Health Education Department. 

There are three assistant athletic trainers. James Mays, M.S.Ed., ATC, LAT covers men’s soccer and softball. Alex Sawyer, M.A.T., ATC, LAT cover women’s basketball and volleyball; she’s also a graduate of SLU AT Program. Ben Heimos, M.S., ATC, LAT, CSCS covers women’s soccer and baseball. 

There are also three graduate assistants. Allison Barloon, ATC, LAT cover men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s track and field. Ryan Salerno, ATC, LAT covers men’s wrestling. Lastly, Ashley Ball, ATC, LAT covers club hockey and club football.

All of our preceptors work together to provide quality care for over 300 student athletes. They have all set such a great example of what a professional looks like, and we learn something new from one of them every day.

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.

SLU AT Student Gets NCAA D1 Experience with a Variety of Preceptors at SIU-Edwardsville

 

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

By: Erika Cook (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

Greetings from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville! 

It’s been an exciting fall so far with volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer in the midst of their competitive seasons. Right now I spend the majority of my time with women’s and men’s soccer where I’m learning tons about the sport and the common injuries that soccer players deal with. There are a lot of athletes on both teams, so my preceptors and I always have something to do. Furthermore, SIUE is a great place to be if you think you want to work at the D1 level in the future.

This semester I’m the only SLU AT student on campus, so I get tons of one-on-one time with the amazing staff. Our head AT is Gerald Schlemer ATC, and he takes care of men’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis. One of the assistant AT’s is Alex Sawyer ATC (a SLU AT grad!), and she works with volleyball and women’s basketball. Then there is James Mays ATC and he looks after men’s soccer and softball. The last of the assistants is Ben Heimos ATC who is with women’s soccer and baseball. We also have two graduate assistants, Allison Barloon ATC and Ryan Salerno ATC; Allison takes care of cross country and track and field while Ryan looks after wrestling. Each of these guys is great at what she/he does, and it’s easy to see that their athletes love them. More importantly, they challenge me every day that I’m working with them.

Go Cougars!

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.

SLU AT Students Get a Busy NCAA Division I Clinical Site at SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
By: Kayla Kelley and Chris Miller (MAT Class of 2015); and Cara Bowton and Lauren Scalise (MAT Class of 2016)

Now that winter sports have drawn to a close, we are able to spend much more time outdoors. Spring sports include baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, volleyball, and tennis. We are rotating every two weeks to get a wide variety of experiences. Essentially we will have one rotation with almost every sport, giving us a sample of the main themes for each.

Gerry Schlemer ATC, Cara Bowton, Lauren Scalise

We are fortunate that the athletic training staff, student athletes, coaches, and administration have been so welcoming, providing us with a proper learning environment. We have also had the opportunity to experience Division I athletics, top notch athletic facilities, and a diverse population of athletes and staff members alike. While our time at SIUE is rapidly coming to an end, we know one thing for sure—it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

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.

SLU AT Students Get an NCAA Division I Experience at SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Program Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

By: Kayla Kelley and Chris Miller (MAT Class of 2015)

SLU AT student Kayla Kelley with Ben Heimos ATC (left) and Ryan Salerno ATC (right)

Located just twenty miles or so northeast of St. Louis, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) is a medium sized Division I University with eight sports for men and eight for women. We are currently placed with men’s and women’s soccer under the direct supervision of James Mays MS, ATC and Ben Heimos MAT, ATC, CSCS. The SIUE Department of Athletics has treated us like another member of their team, creating an environment conducive to learning.

SLU AT student Chris Miller with James Mays ATC

The Athletic Training facilities are topnotch with excellent resources at our disposal and the staff are willing to go out of their way to show us what they have learned throughout their years of experience. We cannot imagine a more fitting clinical placement as we finish our last year in SLU’s Athletic Training Program and we are very thankful for such an amazing opportunity. While we are still in the height of our seasons, we are looking forward to the many opportunities to come as we transition to our winter sports.

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.

SLU AT Students Help Care for the Cougars at SIUe

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
By: Josh Harris & Eldon Reid (SLU MAT Class of 2015)

This semester, we have had the privilege of getting clinical experience at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIU-E), a university in the Ohio Valley Conference (NCAA Division I). We have mainly worked with Gerry Schlemer, ATC, during our semester. We spent one week each with assistant James Mays, ATC, who works with the softball team. During this time, we have been able to strengthen and practice our athletic training skills. We have learned how much work it is to actually be the head athletic trainer at a college, and it is a lot more work than one would expect.

We have been working with the athletes and athletic training staff of SIU-E since early January of this year. During the spring season, we have spent most of our time working with track & field and softball athletes, also getting some experience with men’s basketball.  We have been able to see a wide variety of injuries to the hips, foot, ankles, and knees.

As PY1’s in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training program, we have thoroughly enjoyed our time at SIU-E. We would both agree that our athletic training skillset has grown immensely since starting our rotation here. Gerry and his staff have been absolutely incredible with teaching us new athletic training skills and also helping us improve upon the skills we have already learned inside the classroom. It is undoubtedly an experience that both of us will cherish as we move further into our careers as athletic training students and future professionals. Go Cougars!

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.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - SIU-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Home of the Cougars!
By: Emily Grace and Blake Hudspeth (MAT Class of 2014)

SLU AT students Blake Hudspeth, Kelley DeGreeff and Emily Grace with Ben Heimos ATC & Miya Sullivan ATC at SIUe-SLU Women's Soccer game.

For the 2013-14 school year, we have the luxury of working with the athletic training staff at a NCAA Division I institution at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Under the guidance of head athletic trainer Gerry Schlemer ATC, assistants James Mays ATC and Ben Heimos ATC, and graduate assistants MacKenzie Liko ATC, Brittany Lowell ATC, and Kaitlin Adams ATC, we have been able to practice and strengthen our skills in the field of athletic training.  Each of these individuals have been very helpful and supportive in our learning process, answering any questions that we have and allowing us to work with their athletes one on one in the athletic training room.

During the fall season we have spent most of our time working with James, Ben, and the men’s and women’s soccer teams.  We saw a number of injuries involving the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. It was fun working with these athletes throughout their seasons and assisting in the various rehab activities that they performed in order to get healthy and back onto the field. From the typical ice and e-stim treatments to the range of motion and strengthening exercises, it has been a long and fun ride in the athletic training room at Korte Stadium. Now that soccer has come to an end, we are looking forward to working with the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the wrestling team for the upcoming winter season. Gerry and his staff have done a wonderful job in making us feel welcome and we are very thankful for this opportunity to work with all of them at SIUE. Go Cougars!

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.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - SIU-Edwardsville

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
By: Adriana Black (MAT Class of 2013)

I have been on a clinical rotation at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUe) for just about two months. It has been a true growing experience as it puts to practice the notion that the profession of athletic training is one that is completely unpredictable and requires much flexibility. Having my clinical rotations at such a large institution puts many privileges and opportunities at our disposal. The facilities, equipment, and technology are excellent and I am already pretty spoiled because I have access to such top-notch amenities.Working at a NCAA Division I university is something that I have been looking forward to since my enrollment in the Athletic Training Education Program here at SLU. The biggest benefit that I have experienced in this large, competitive D-I setting is having that opportunity to work alongside so many different professionals and work with so many different athletes. At SIUe, there is a head athletic trainer, three assistant athletic trainers, two graduate student athletic trainers, two student workers, and two SLU athletic training students that work in the two athletic training rooms. I have had the chance to interact with all of them. It has really been a blessing to see all of the professionals in action and discuss their insight and perspective. Another huge benefit of my clinical experience thus far is that of flexibility. My ACIs have been very adaptable to our experience in that they have allowed us to interact with a variety of sports and events. I have worked with soccer, volleyball, track, cross-country, wrestling, basketball, tennis, softball, and baseball to a degree. Mostly, the time in this clinical rotation has been spent with both men and women’s soccer teams.

SLU AT student (left) with Ben Heimos ATC

Ben Heimos ATC is the athletic trainer for the women’s soccer team. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ben as he creates a very laid-back, yet productive atmosphere for the whole team. He always is honest with his team and maintains a level head whenever the athletes are plagued with injury. More than anything I appreciate his realness with his the team as that is the approach I will always want to maintain when I fill the role of an athletic trainer for a team. Though Ben claims that he is not a good teacher and that having students shadow him is a new experience, I have learned a lot from him by simply watching. I ask Ben questions frequently and he is always helpful in his responses. I actually appreciate that a lot as it lets me figure it out and I learn more that way. I know that if I ever have a real doubt I can ask him and he will be happy to assist in any way, but learning on my own by being in his presence is a fruitful learning experience in and of itself. It goes without saying that my time in Edwardsville has been eye-opening, educational, and entertaining. I have really connected with the athletes that I have treated and the clinical instructors that I am lucky to work beside. I look forward to seeing what the next clinical rotation has in store.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - SIU-Edwardsville

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
by: Alex Sawyer (MAT Class of 2013)

My Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs), Gerald “Gerry” Schlemer, Tyann “Ty” Thomson, Ben Heimos, and James Mays are a group of amazing, inspiring individuals. Each person brings a different energy to the athletic training room, and I have had the opportunity to work with each of them rather closely. The first person I had the chance to work with was Ben Heimos. On my very first day at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) he welcomed me warmly and made sure I was oriented to the athletic training room at Korte Stadium. At this time Ben was responsible for working with the women’s soccer team. While working with him I also learn a bit about his background. Ben started at SIUE in October of 2009. Before that he worked with the Florida Marlins organization in three different Florida minor league affiliates during that time. After women’s soccer season is over, Ben is primarily responsible for coverage of SIUE’s baseball team. He got his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Evansville, and his Master of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University.

The next person I met, the same day I met Ben, was James Mays. James was also very welcoming. He was working with men’s soccer at the time. James is very easy to talk to and has a very contagious laugh. He brightens up everyone’s day with his remarkable sense of humor and admirable athletic training skills. The passion he has for his athletes is something that radiates through his extraordinary work ethic. James started at SIUE in January of 2007 after receiving his bachelor of science in Athletic Training from Millikin University. Being that Milllkin and my alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University, were rivals in the CCIW conference, we had a lot to talk about. James also has his Master of Science in Education from the department of Kinesiology at SIUE. After covering men’s soccer, James will shift his responsibility to the women’s basketball team.

SLU AT student Alex Sawyer (middle) with Gerry Schlemer ATC (left) and Tyann Thomson ATC (right)

I worked with both Ben and James at Korte Stadium for the beginning of the soccer season and continue to work with them at soccer games. I later moved to the Vadalabene Center to work more closely with Ty Thomson and Gerry Schlemer. Ty has been an amazing teacher. She always takes time out to work with me on my competencies, and is always there to answer any questions I may have. Being the only female on the team, Ty offers somewhat of a motherly air to the athletic training; making sure things stay in order, athletes are taking care of their responsibilities, creating work schedules of the athletic trainers, and so much more. In addition to all of this, Ty’s primary responsibility is to the volleyball and softball teams. Ty began working at SIUE in August of 2007. She received her bachelor of science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master of science from Indiana State University. I admire Ty’s talents and her ability to “hold her own,” amongst the men she works with. She is not afraid to speak her mind and demands respect from her peers and athletes.

Last, but certainly not least, the most influential person I have worked with thus far, Gerry Schlemer. Gerry lives and breathes athletic training. His passion for this field is commendable and truly inspiring.  He is dedicated to his athletes and their well-being. Though Gerry wears many hats at SIUE, he manages his time well. He devotes equal time to his athletes, maintaining the athletic training room, and taking me on as a student. He challenges me and seems to truly enjoy teaching. Gerry respects my talents and allows me to work hands-on with athletes. I feel that he has developed me the most thus far. He taught me new skills, in addition to putting previously learned skills to work. Gerry can be a “tough cookie,” but he only wants the best for the athletes and his peers. The list of his past experiences is extensive. He began working at SIUE as the Head Athletic Trainer in 2004. Having more than 18 years of athletic training experience at a variety of levels (collegiate, high school, clinical, professional), Gerry is a great mentor to have. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to work with him.

I am looking forward to the next few months to come. Upon leaving SIUE, I would have worked with 4 amazing athletic trainers. Each of which have an individual presence, level of expertise in the field of athletic training, and a unique flare. As I grow as a student I only expect that this experience gets even better and I learn more. If given the opportunity I would love to work with this team again. They are truly a unique and influential group. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with each of them.