Athletic Training Club offers community and experience
Many Penn State students, alumni, and community members are familiar with THON—the 46-hour dance marathon that transforms the Bryce Jordan Center into a colorful, vibrant, and high-energy space to raise money and awareness for families impacted by childhood cancer. But not as many have had the opportunity to see a space that is equally as active and equally as important to THON dancers, dancer relations committee members, captains, and others involved in the event—the THON athletic training room.
The THON athletic training room is organized and staffed by members of Penn State’s Student Athletic Training Club (ATC), a student-run organization for those pursuing a career in athletic training. In addition to the THON athletic training room, the ATC provides students networking, peer support, and career guidance from other athletic training students and alumni.
“Being able to be in the training room with the THON dancers is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had,” said Max Zawel, a senior in the athletic training program and current president of the ATC. “You’re wearing a silly hat, and it’s a fun moment. But at the end of the day, we are able to provide treatment and encouragement that is helping them dance for the kids. That is such a rewarding experience.”
“Being able to be in the training room with the THON dancers is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. You’re wearing a silly hat, and it’s a fun moment. But at the end of the day, we are able to provide treatment and encouragement that is helping them dance for the kids. That is such a rewarding experience.”
Author
Mary
Campbell
In the athletic training room, members address injuries that dancers sustain while participating in THON. They also provide stretching and massages to help dancers stay healthy and energized for the full 46 hours. Although THON was virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19, the ATC organized a virtual training room where dancers could join via Zoom for advice, active games, and encouragement as they completed the dance marathon remotely in their own homes.
The club also serves as a source of support and connection for students in the tight-knit program, which is housed in the Department of Kinesiology.
When Jillian Zerbe was a sophomore starting out in the athletic training program, the ATC provided her the opportunity to interact with upperclassmen and learn how to best take advantage of the opportunities the program provided. Now as a senior and secretary of the club, Zerbe wants to provide that support for students new to the program.
“The Athletic Training Club is a place for athletic training students to mingle, bond, and really get to know each other. And it provides a platform to connect to others outside of the program,” said Zerbe, who, along with a handful of other student athletic trainers from Penn State, assisted at the 2021 Big Ten Wrestling Championships held at the Bryce Jordan Center and received special commendation from the assistant athletic trainer for Penn State Wrestling, Dan Monthley, for their dedication and professionalism.
“I really do like being a support for fellow students and helping those new to the program and the University. I know how big Penn State can feel—I felt that myself, and if I can share my experience and help someone find their place here, that means a lot.”
The ATC at Penn State is working to be more involved with similar clubs at other Big Ten schools, and during the pandemic organized a Zoom meeting with fellow Big Ten athletic training students all around the country to connect and share their experiences. The Zoom meeting was so successful that the clubs organized a competitive food drive in March for Athletic Training Month to benefit food resources in their local communities. All items collected at Penn State were donated to the Penn State Lion’s Pantry.
“I really do like being a support for fellow students and helping those new to the program and the University. I know how big Penn State can feel—I felt that myself, and if I can share my experience and help someone find their place here, that means a lot.”
For Zawel, the ATC has been instrumental in solidifying his passion for the program and the field.
“When I was in high school, I assisted with Special Olympics, and it helped me realized that I wanted to find a job where I was always in a position to help someone. Athletic training and the ATC has really allowed me to take the things I learn and enjoy in the classroom and put them into action for the benefit of others,” said Zawel, who plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy after graduating from Penn State. “Being able to use your education for good is really powerful.”
Photo Credits
Members of the Athletic Training Club at their football rotation: photo courtesy of Jillian Zerbe.
Photo of Max Zawel: courtesy of Zawel.
Photo of Jillian Zerbe: courtesy of Zerbe.
Author
Mary Campbell
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