Athletic Trainer's Job Diverse
Stress fractures, ankle sprains, tendonitis; injuries like these are what keep athletic trainer Kevin Larrison of Holton, KS on the go. Mr. Larrison covers a large area of Northeast Kansas high schools, including about ¾ of the schools in the Twin Valley League, and other high schools as well.
Larrison is a trainer certified through the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) with a bachelor’s degree from Washburn University and a master’s degree from Ohio University. Requirements to be an athletic trainer include working under an NATA certified trainer for 1500 hours, first aid and CPR certification, and passing an eight hour exam.
According to Larrison, most sports injuries occur during football and basketball season, with the most common injury being chondramalacia, softening cartilage in the kneecap. The most severe injury Mr. Larrison has dealt with is torn ACL’s (anterior cruciate ligament). This ligament is located in the interior of the knee and often requires surgery in order to be repaired. He reports that he sees about three torn ACL’s a month and that this injury is more common in girls.
More than once, Mr. Larrison stated that he is happy with his job overall. “It’s challenging and requires a lot of driving, but I like dealing with the athletes and enjoy the variety of kids and injuries I get to work with” he stated.