If an athlete is hurt during a football game, you typically witness individuals running onto the field to tend to them. Dalton Foreman is among the folks you will see. Foreman has been a part of the athletic training program going on two years. Amongst his second year of athletic training, Foreman has assumed the responsibility of mentoring first-year students and teaching them the fundamentals of becoming a student athletic trainer.  

“It has been different, when our class got here there were no sophomores to teach us, so we had to learn on our own. Being a mentor for the freshmen has been a growing experience. They have been patient with us sophomores. It is our first time teaching others and overall, it is a growing experience for all of us,” Foremen said. 

In the training room, Foreman helps athletes recover when he is not out on the field for practices or games. As a student athletic trainer, his favorite aspect of sports medicine is being able to assist athletes with their rehabilitation and help them return to their sport. 

Participating in the athletic training program entails a rigorous schedule that includes attending sports and practices early in the morning, traveling and putting in at least 10 hours per week.  

“Practices and games can be chaotic at times, but planning ahead helps. Sometimes, planning on the fly or adjusting your schedule is easier,” Foreman adds. 

Foreman recently spent more than 30 hours driving to and from Detroit, Michigan, while traveling with the football team.  

“I am glad that our team won, and it is always a plus when there are not many injuries. We were experiencing some of the storms from the hurricane when we arrived in Indiana, which was an experience,” Foreman expresses.  

Since athletic trainers are in close contact with players and other program participants, lasting memories are facilitated. 

“My favorite memory has to be our Winter Olympics for athletic training last year. It was a fun experience even though we ended up getting second place by only 4 points,” Foreman said. 

Participating in athletic training is similar to having a job, but it also has the advantage of allowing you to use the experiences to start a future career. After graduating, Foreman plans to pursue a degree in exercise science at Wichita State University with the goal of working as a physical therapist or athletic trainer.