Athletic Trainers Honored by Columbus Community Hospital for Their Role in Health Care

Every March, Columbus Community Hospital recognizes athletic trainers’ work on and off the field.

National Athletic Training Month celebrates how they are part of a health care team that works together to ensure athletes’ safety.

Across the nation, many events take place to increase awareness of the athletic training health care profession. This year’s tagline, "Care You Can Count On,” highlights how important it is to have staff members who are dedicated to preventing and treating injuries.

The hospital provides athletic training services for the three Columbus high schools, Central Community College – Columbus and various athletic departments in the surrounding area. The athletic trainers collaborate with local physicians to care for student-athletes. 

“I am lucky to work with a team of athletic trainers who are experienced, professional and passionate about caring for the athletes of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Michael Pitner, an orthopedic surgeon at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic. “They play an integral role, and many times, they are on the front lines of sports medicine. Through the tireless efforts of these athletic trainers, in conjunction with Columbus Community Hospital and Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, we provide top-notch care for our local athletes.”

Keith Luedders, vice president of ancillary services at Columbus Community Hospital, agreed with Pitner.

“Our athletic trainers work hard to keep our local athletes healthy and able to perform at their best,” he said. “Athletic trainers play a key role in assisting athletes with their recovery process so they can return to their sport safely. I am very proud of our athletic training team and their dedication to our local athletes.”

The hospital’s athletic training staff continues to support the profession on a state, district and national level. Staff members hold positions with the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NSATA), the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA) and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

• Rob Marshall, athletic training services program manager, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Mike Sloup, athletic trainer for Lakeview High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Denise Marshall, athletic trainer for Central Community College – Columbus, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Brooke Hughes, athletic trainer for Columbus Public Schools, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Andrew Sheridan, athletic trainer for Scotus Central Catholic, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Melissa Bulin, athletic trainer for Humphrey High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Mitch Kurtenbach, athletic trainer for Shelby-Rising City, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Reese Janssen, athletic trainer for Twin River High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Andrew Spencer, athletic trainer for Columbus Public Schools, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Gavin Dowding, athletic trainer for Schuyler Central High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Michelle Holt, athletic trainer at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Adam Hervert, athletic trainer for Pierce High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Kurt Schmoldt, athletic trainer for Battle Creek High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

• Kaitlin Reece, athletic trainer for Stanton High School, is a member of the NSATA, MAATA and NATA.

For more information on the hospital’s athletic training services and staff, visit columbushosp.org.