Student Trainers Dedicate Time
Early mornings. Late nights. Behind the scenes work. The life of a Student Athletic Trainer is both hard and fulfilling, as they log long hours during the week and on the weekend. Senior Rheagan Borchardt would like people to know how much work they do behind the scenes, but she enjoys helping keep the boys healthy. “My favorite part is getting to be a small part of something bigger and getting to be on the sidelines with some of my favorite people,” Borchardt said. At Krum High School, Head Trainer Ray Pool leads an army of Student Trainers. Along with Assistant Trainer Sarah Dethloft, Pool uses 11 girls and 1 boy to help keep the athletes healthy and hydrated. Pool wanted to be a trainer because he enjoys working in a team setting and with young people. During training he covers all athletic periods and events, providing care and prevention of injuries for all athletes in Krum Middle School and High School. “I enjoy the team aspect of athletics,” Pool said. “I like seeing athletes be successful, try their best, and enjoy being part of a team.” Pool and Dethloft arrive at 6:00 AM and do not leave until all the athletic events are over. Those events take place Monday through Friday. Saturday training sessions last from 8:00 - 11:00 am. There are often tournaments after that. Student Trainers have to apply to be in the program. The process involves an application giving reasons on why they want to be a trainer. They also had to sit down and be interviewed individually by Mr. Pool. The criteria involves good grades, and great citizenship. While being a student trainer, Sophomore Hannah Daily has built closer relationships with the guys on the field and other trainers that work with her. She applied to be a student trainer because she wanted to be more involved in school activities. “I may want to pursue this career,” she said. She would like to go to go into the medical field after she graduates. Student Trainers arrive at 6:30 am for morning practices. After school practice usually last until 6:00 pm. They have to be at every practice and game an hour before the athletes and stay after the athletes are gone. Game day duties consist of filling ice coolers, jugs, and water bottles. They also clean the buckets and towels after games. Student Trainers also tape wrists and ankles before games. During practices and games they give water to the boys. Student Trainers attend to minor injuries by wrapping turf burns and open cuts. They are also experts at making ice bags. Sophomore Olivia Gonzales favorite part of being a student trainer is being able to be part of something, and not only help the football team, but learn more about football . Gonzales would like to be a physical therapist later on so being a student trainer will help with the skills and knowledge she needs. “We have to make sure you give water to the refs during a timeout!” she said.
