What an exciting 2013 MSU Homecoming weekend for the Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) department! #BearsForever
The celebration kicked off early this morning with the Bear Tracks 5K Run. As part of her leadership project, 4th year athletic training student, Haley Sweeney organized the group of athletic training students to participate in the 5K run. Haley explains that her motivation for organizing a group to run for the second year in a row was to promote health and wellness among athletic training students.
An impressive 36 athletic training students and faculty attended the 5K run. This group included 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4th year undergraduate athletic training students, graduate athletic training students, program alumni, and SMAT faculty, Dr. Allan Liggett. There was also a small group of athletic training students who attended the event in order to cheer on their peers at the finish line with SMAT instructor, Kristin Tivener.
All students and faculty wore athletic training clothing at the event in order to promote the profession.
Everyone who ran finished the event and many students achieved personal best times in the race. A special congratulations to 3rd year athletic training student, Jessi Stewart who finished in first place for the women’s division of the race!
Following the race, students, alumni and faculty enjoyed visiting with each other and congratulating their peers on the run. Additionally, where would we be without a few minor post-completion treatments!? A few of the graduate students worked on each other at the conclusion of the race.
Following the run, the homecoming celebration continued with an Open House in the Professional Building. 4th year athletic training student, Spencer Thomas took the lead in displaying alumni and current student pictures for the event. In addition, he served up delicious ice cream sundaes to those who attended. Current students, program alumni, prospective students, and faculty all enjoyed the event.
Immediately following the Open House event, the MSU Bears Football team kicked off the homecoming game. Athletic training students were on the sideline for the event. SMAT faculty, Dr. David Carr joined the students on the sideline for the game while Gary Ward worked up at the scoreboard.
Thanks to everyone involved for a successful 2013 Homecoming weekend celebration.