To say that students are needed is an understatement. As with a lot of jobs, the work is neither glorious nor headline-grabbing, but there are a lot of rewards in this field. Other rewards are not noticed until the end of the season when friendships are made and championships are won due to a healthy team. Dave Lucey, Ferris State's head trainer, knows how important the student trainers are to him and his assistant, Laurie Ryan. We have 12 sports to cover, three training rooms, and six different possible practice locations, so you learn quickly to trust the students and teach them well.
All students work with football because it is the biggest sport.
As the trainers develop, some are given additional responsibilities and sports throughout the year. Hamacher, for instance, was given the opportunity to travel with hockey and football last year. When you travel it gives you a chance to get to know the team better and what each player likes to have done before a game. It also gives you a sense of belonging. Like the athletes they take care of, trainers must have the ability to balance a class schedule with work.