Journalistic Writings & Affiliations
My 1st major story for Eastern Kentucky University's newspaper (see below). BOBBY BARTON ENJOYS THE LIFE AS TRAINER By Myles Gullette Staff Writer
When thinking of the Colonels, what comes to mind? The players, coaches, and excitement are prime examples. But, what about the athletic trainer? Dr. Bobby Barton, 38, has been the head Athletic Trainer at the university since 1976. He was born in Charleston, W.Va., and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas in 1963. He then went to the University of Kentucky where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1968 and worked as a student trainer. Barton completed his master’s in 1970 while working as a graduate assistant trainer at Marshall University in Huntington, W. Va. Between 1970 and 1972, he was an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Florida. He also was an athletic trainer and instructor at Florida International University from 1972 to 1975. In 1975, he received his doctorate at Middle Tennessee State University and until 1976 he worked as an athletic trainer at the University of Kentucky. “I got to experience the pros and cons of the so called big time before I came to Eastern. It’s always good to see how other programs work.” he said. Barton said an athletic trainer spends his time with the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. There are two assistant trainers, David Green and Paula Sammarone, and a graduate assistant, Kathy Derringer who helps Barton in these tasks. Barton said he has gotten to know some of the upper class team members well, but said, “The only freshman I know are the ones that have either looked great or have gotten hurt.” He said that trainers who are concerned about being popular are seldom as good at performing their job, and added, “I have their interests in mind even though it doesn’t appear that way to them when I’m giving them a hard time in the training room or on the field.” Barton pointed out that injuries have been occurring since pre-season when groin injuries were prominent. “Why we had them, we don’t know. We’ve done nothing different this year than we have in the past.” “Smith requires a cast and Pearson required some minor surgery. Their future is somewhat in question. Since it was the first game, they are able to get a year’s eligibility, called a hardship ruling.” said Barton. The most common injury, according to the trainer, is “a bruise all over the body. We’ve had every part of the anatomy get bruised.” Barton said he is concerned about the players playing on artificial turf. “We don’t survive well on it. During the season, we play three games in a row on turf and if history repeats itself, we’ll have more ankle and knee injuries than normal.” he said. Barton said the ideal situation would be to “have both grass and turf, and practice on whatever you want to play on that Saturday.” When it comes to the Colonel’s diet, the only meal that Barton has much to do with is the pre-game meal but he says he does some unofficial advising on diets. Barton spoke about the tension involved in being an athletic trainer. “There is a tremendous amount of tension on the sidelines. “I guess the assistant coaches feel more tension during a game itself, because my decisions are somewhat cut and dried. Either a player can return to action or they can’t. I am not under pressure to play somebody whose medical welfare is in question.” he explained. He went on to say that you have to live with your mistakes during a game. “All I can do is to present the facts of the injury as best as I can and live with the decision which can never be undone.” Along with being the athletic trainer at the university, Barton, along with the assistant coaches, teach classes. “All the athletic trainers at Eastern are technically full-time faculty members and are given release time for our athletic training duties.” Barton teaches four classes in both physical and health education. “I enjoy teaching. I like the aspect of the job at Eastern.” He has received several awards while working at Eastern and is serving his second term as president of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). Barton defines NATA as, “The professional organization of athletic trainers. We are the governing body for the advancement and improvement of the athletic training profession.” NATA is also approved by the National Commission on Health Certifying Agencies as the accrediting body for the profession.
The Society for Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi was a cool group of writers. I learned a great deal which helped a great deal later as a United States Army Photographer. Looking back, I'm proud that at 20, I had enough motivation and confidence to seek groups like this out although the photographer should have told me to turn into the group instead of away like I did. I guess there's truth to body language. At this point, I was kind of new to the organization.
The EKU Milestone Yearbook was an experience where I became better at writing, layout and design. Another great experience that I sought out myself. That's what school/campus life is all about...Getting involved. Otherwise, you'll just be left behind.
home bio dj/vj events acting photography videography films resumes writings
COPYRIGHT 2007 - MYLESMATISSE.COM
Site powered by
|
