Athletic training plays a huge role in keeping EHS students healthy and competitive. That’s why senior Maggie Martin decided to assist Trainer Joe Downey for the last three years.
“I started athletic training as part of a HOSA competition because I thought it was fun and easy, and then I really started to enjoy it. I had never been so engaged with sports before helping Joe, now I love being on the medical side of sports and seeing everything behind the scenes,” said Martin.
Even though she enjoys her role, the duty is a year-round commitment. Maggie is helping a variety of EHS sports stay healthy.
“ I help with football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball, and softball,” said Martin.
Maggie can do a vast majority of things just like Trainer Joe and her duties vary from sport to sport.
“Throughout the year my duties change. My main duties consist of assisting in the rehab of athletes which would be things like stretching, stem, or ultrasound. I also take care of any blood, from bloody noses to little scratches, I can also do different tape jobs like ankle tape or wrist tape. I also fill water jugs/bottles and keep the training room clean. I am allowed to do a lot, the main thing I am not allowed to do is be in the room for private matters concerning athletes,” said Martin.
Senior Ryan French appreciated having Maggie around during football season.
“It’s nice having Maggie around, especially for tape jobs before the games,” said French.
Although Maggie doesn’t want to be an Athletic Trainer, she does plan to be a Team Doctor.
“I like the environment of being around sports and I want to be a doctor so I thought it would be a win-win situation to assist Joe,” said Martin.
Students interested in pre-med are not the only candidates for this kind of position. Students from various backgrounds can assist Trainer Joe, and learn as they go without any certifications.
“To start helping Joe, I got in contact with him and told him I wanted to help him out and learn all the information I needed for HOSA. I didn’t need any certifications to start out, but I did end up acquiring my ‘stop the bleed’ and CPR certification since they were available to me,” said Martin.
Maggie really enjoyed assisting Joe and recommends that other students give it a try.
“Helping Joe has been one of my favorite memories from high school. I would tell anyone wanting to be an AT assistant to have fun, learn as much as you can, and cherish the memories you make.”
