In honor of the 2026 National Athletic Training Month, the Southwestern Conference would like to recognize a special group within its Athletic Department family—Certified Athletic Trainers. The slogan for this year’s National Athletic Training Month celebration is “Care You Can Count On.”
During March, Athletic Trainers across America are being recognized for their commitment to helping people prevent injuries and stay healthy and active. Athletic Trainers are Health Care Professionals, highly educated and dedicated to the job at hand. Athletic Trainers can be found in high schools and colleges, corporations, professional sports, the military, performing arts and clinics, hospitals and physician offices. They provide compassionate care for all.
“Athletic trainers are truly the backbone of our athletic departments,” said Midview Athletics Director Dan May. “Whether they are caring for their own student-athletes or supporting visiting teams, athletic trainers consistently go above and beyond. The long hours, the behind-the-scenes work and the daily commitment to student safety often go unnoticed. Athletic trainers deserve far more recognition for the impact they make. We’re especially grateful to to their families for the sacrifices they make, allowing them to dedicate so much time to our kids.”
The Southwestern Conference would like to salute the following Athletic Trainers for providing quality health care for our student-athletes every day.
Amherst Steele – Cory Bendlak (University Hospitals)
Avon – Jim O’Leary and Beth Hauck (Cleveland Clinic)
Avon Lake – Matt Yonkof and Julie Iemma (Cleveland Clinic)
Berea-Midpark – Beau Kinnaird and Abby Ridga (Southwest General)
Elyria – Laura Breese and Ann Hamker (Jaworski Physical Therapy)
Midview – Nick Perez (Cleveland Clinic)
North Ridgeville – Lindsay Sullinger (University Hospital)
Olmsted Falls – Jasmine Betts and Rachel Sexton (Southwest General)
Next time you stop in your Athletic Training Room or see them at a competition, make sure you take a moment to show your appreciation for all that these medical professionals do!
