Bolivar, Mo. — Stadium lights pierce the night sky and loud cheering fills the atmosphere with only ten minutes left in the game. All of a sudden, a crucial player lays on the field in pain. The whole stadium falls silent as a person with equipment runs over to evaluate the situation, working quickly and calmly to help get the player off the field. Once the player is safely on the sidelines, the game goes on. An observer may never know the rest of the story. They may never know of the Athletic Trainers, the people whose main job is to help players back onto the field.
 
The athletic trainers at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) are hardworking individuals who devote their time to helping athletes, even if they aren't always recognized for their hard work and long hours. The staff of trainers at SBU includes Head Athletic Trainer Mike Wolhoy, Senior Athletic Trainer Kristian Wilkinson, Assistant Athletic Trainer Beka Anoa'i, and Assistant Athletic Trainer Logan French. While each trainer helps with every sport, Anoa'i specializes in football, softball, and stunt and French focuses on tennis, soccer, and baseball.
 
SBU's athletic trainers commit to working long hours each day and even longer hours during games. Their responsibilities throughout the day vary but often include helping athletes in the Athletic Training Room, making sure there is water for practices that are happening that day, or being present at football practices.
 
The Athletic Trainers stand guard at home and away games, prepared to address mid-game medical concerns or injuries. For away games, the trainers ensure all their equipment is packed the day before they leave and double-check that they have plenty of supplies so they can be prepared to address whatever injuries may occur. For home games, the trainers prepare the field for whatever is needed whether it's having water available for athletes or supplies set up so they can be easily accessed in case of an emergency. The trainers also set aside at least an hour before the game to do taping or wrapping for the players. Their role on and off the field is vital.
 
Speaking on the challenges of the job, Head Athletic Trainer Mike Wolhoy says,"I believe the most challenging part of the job is helping the athletes understand their issues and why we are having them do specific tasks." He further explained how he has to communicate to injured athletes why the procedures they see on TV are different from real life. On TV, medical personnel often have unlimited access to money and resources, but in real life trainers search for alternative solutions to help their athletes recover when resources are limited. Wolhoy says, "At times, differentiating the things the athletes see on TV and how there are proper ways to treat them in a more cost effective way can be challenging." SBU's team of trainers pushes through the challenges of their role to serve the Bearcats well.
 
Considering all the job entails, Beka Anoa'i explains, "Something that I believe future athletic trainers should think about is how difficult the job can be at times. Having a servant's heart and a willingness to help people is crucial. Otherwise, you would have a difficult time doing the job." Other athletic trainers share the importance of having good communication skills and knowing one's weaknesses in order to work through them on the job. Anoa'i says, "Make sure you don't get too caught up in taking care of everyone else, and make sure to take care of yourself. You would have difficulty taking care of others if you aren't taking care of yourself as well."
 
As they deal with busy and stressful situations, the athletic trainers rely on their passion for the job to keep them going. Kristian Wilkinson states, "What keeps me motivated is not only seeing the results of each athlete I work with, but also when the athlete is motivated to get things done." She shares how she enjoys her job more easily when an athlete is motivated and willing to work with her.
 
Through difficult circumstances and stressful environments, the athletic trainers foster a positive mentality and work environment to keep them going, motivated by the knowledge that they are helping others. The trainers mention how they are more motivated because of the light-hearted environment that is present in the training room.They share how the job is more enjoyable with being able to joke around with the athletes and create those special connections. Everyday the trainers build personal connections with each and every athlete they work with. Although the job can be stressful at times, the athletic trainers enjoy their work. Logan French says, "My favorite part of the job is being able to get athletes back onto the field playing the game they love."