Head Athletic Trainer: Robin Johnson
Assistant Athletic Trainer: Kresta Toeppen
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer: Kirby Fryman
Falcon Athletic Training Program
Falcon Athletic Training consists of one head athletic trainer and two assistant athletic trainers which specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, management and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries and illnesses for Friends University’s 380 student athletes competing in its 15 sports as well as cheer and dance programs.
On a weekly basis, the Falcon Athletic Training staff performs approximately 200 sessions for treatment and/or rehabilitation on injuries a student-athlete has sustained while participating in athletics. Such treatment includes receiving ice, heat, electrical stimulation, ultra sound, stretching, etc, while rehabilitation consists of a one on one program taking the athlete through range of motion exercises, strengthening, flexibility, and sport specific exercises to prepare them to go back to participation.
The Falcon Athletic Training staff also performs rehabilitation programs for major injuries as well. Such an example would be the major rehabilitation program following a surgery such as an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) replacement. Following this example the staff would begin the rehabilitation process immediately following the surgery and guide the athlete through an eight month rehabilitation process, performing all rehab activities within the Friends University Athletic Training facilities. In performing on site rehabilitation, the athlete is able to stay involved within their program, while eliminating the cost of acquiring outside physical therapy.
Falcon Athletic Training also provides basic practice preparations such as taping, wound care, wrapping, etc. on a daily basis to approximately 250 athletes per week. General taping may include, but is not limited to ankles, wrists, arches, and shins.
Athletic Training Event Coverage
Throughout the fall athletic season the Friends University Athletic Training hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. throughout the winter and spring seasons in which there is at least one athletic trainer on staff. From 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. the staff focuses primarily on individual rehabilitation and treatment, while the reminder of the day is devoted to daily practice preparations and team practice and/or game coverage.
Saturdays consist of specific coverage of each sporting event. Besides sport specific coverage for all home athletic events, an athletic trainer travels with each Falcon sports team for road games as well.
Sundays operate on a rotating schedule in which one athletic trainer is on staff from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to provide treatment to injuries which may have been incurred during the previous day’s competition.