UWA Athletic Trainers Honored

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Several members of the University of West Alabama Athletic Training Staff have recently received honors and accolades from their colleagues in the sports medicine and athletic training field.

Director of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, Dr. R. T. Floyd, was a recipient of the National Athletic Trainer Association’s (NATA) Distinguished Educator Award.  The NATA award, named in honor of Sayers “Bud” Miller, the first chair of the NATA Professional Education, is awarded to recognize individuals who exemplify excellence in the field of athletic training education. 

“This is indeed a great honor to be recognized among some of the most outstanding athletic trainers in the history of athletic training education,” stated Floyd.

Head Athletic Trainer Brad Montgomery was recognized by the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) for his service with an award from the SEATA Executive Board.  Montgomery also received the Award of Merit from the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association at their annual meeting.  This marks the second time that he has received this award  Floyd commented.

“Brad has certainly provided outstanding service to both the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association and the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association in addition to the great work he does at UWA,” said Floyd. “We congratulate him on this much deserved recognition from his peers.”

Assistant Athletic Trainer Andy Grubbs was honored by SEATA, as he was the recipient of the association’s Backbone Award. The recipient of the Backbone Award is the person that is there day to day doing what is needed in the athletic training room and has played a major role as the backbone to the Head Athletic Trainer.  

“We are very proud and appreciative of Andy and congratulate him on receiving this much deserved recognition,” Floyd said. “With our being able to depend on him so heavily it has enabled both Brad Montgomery and me to devote more time and energy to the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association and other professional obligations.” 

UWA athletic training student Lauren Steiner, a native of Mobile, was also recognized by SEATA and the NATA Research & Education Foundation.  Steiner was awarded the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation Scholarship in 2007 after previously receiving the Jerry Rhea/Atlanta Falcons Undergraduate Scholarship Award in 2006 from SEATA.  She was also one of 77 students nationwide receiving a NATA Research & Education Foundation scholarship in 2007 after being awarded a similar scholarship in 2006. 

“We are certainly very proud of Lauren for her outstanding academic accomplishments and are pleased to see her recognized at the regional and national level for her work,” said Floyd.