LANGSTON – Ross McCulloh of Langston University has been named the 2020 Athletic Trainer of the Year for the Sooner Athletic Conference, the conference office announced Monday (July 27) afternoon.
The SAC Athletic Trainer of the Year award is being award for the first time in conference history, the annual honor recognize outstanding athletic training professionals as chosen by the athletic trainers of member institutions.
“It’s an honor to be selected by my peers as the first SAC athletic trainer of the year. Our conference is full of dedicated professionals that are all deserving of this award,” McCulloh said. “Words cannot express the hard work these individuals put forth for the student-athletes to make our conference one of the most competitive in the NAIA, and I’m proud to be called their colleague and friend.”
“I first have to thank my family for all of their support, not just this past year, but over the last ten years. I would like to extend a huge thank you to President Kent Smith and our Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers for allowing me the opportunity and to chase my vision for success,” McCulloh noted. “This award, although individual in nature, is a testament to the hard work of that of my staff and students. Finally, I must publicly say thank you to Dr. Gary Anderson. If not for him and his mentorship, I would not be the professional I am today.”
“Ross (McCulloh) has been an integral part of our athletic department’s success for nearly a decade. He continues to keep us at the forefront of innovative collegiate sports medicine and has led the department in overall fundraising for the previous two years,” Langston University Director of Athletic Donnita Rogers noted. “He has also implemented a sports medicine internship program that has allowed us to have additional help and coverage throughout the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. His hard work and creativity has helped us stretch budget dollars for years and our coaches, staff and student athletes are excited to see him honored as the Sooner Athletic Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year!”
McCulloh recently completed his ninth year at Langston University after joining the Langston University department of athletics in August 2011 and oversees the Langston University Sports Medicine and Athletic Training and services seven Lion and Lady Lions athletic programs. His scope of duties includes maintaining the health and wellness of Langston University student-athletes through prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries.
Louisiana State University-Shreveport Director of Sports Medicine Lance Champagne wasn’t surprised his longtime colleague was selected for this honor.
“Ross (McCulloh) has been a great colleague and friend for many years. He is always available to discuss his approach to issues we deal with as athletic trainers and is willing to offer advice and a helping hand. He has taken on the challenge of establishing the standards for the SAC Athletic Trainer’s Association and has done a great job building the SAC-ATA from the ground up. He always has the best interest of his student-athletes and those student-athletes that visit his campus in mind. Congratulations to a very worth recipient!”
McCulloh, a native of Ardmore, Okla., holds a M.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Central Oklahoma and a B.S in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma. He is a currently member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and an Oklahoma Licensed Trainer. McCulloh currently resides in Edmond, Okla. with his wife Ashley and two daughters Kyla and Adalynn.
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