Athletes can only imagine life before Mike

Athletic Trainer Mike Downy now has a staff of 16 to meet the needs of EMU’s athletes.

When an EMU athlete suffered an injury fifteen years ago, they could either deal with it or make the journey to Rockingham Memorial Hospital, an arduous one for someone in pain.

Now they only need to visit the bottom floor of the University Commons, athletic trainer Mike Downey, and his staff of dedicated assistants.

Downey, now in his third full year, earned a Masters degree in Health Science from James Madison University and passed all exams and certifications to become a professional athletic trainer. After hospital work and tenure at Spotswood High School in Elkton, he came to EMU, then Eastern Mennonite College, in 1989 as part-time help.

"I worked through the better part of the 90’s at different places," Downey said of his experience. "I then came on full-time at EMU and have been here ever since." Before Downey, Royals athletes had no professional athletic trainer to treat their injuries.

Assisting Downey are three intern students from JMU, now working a semester placement program as a part of the curriculum required for a degree in athletic training. "These three, if all goes well, will become full-fledged athletic trainers at a high school or college," Downey said. "They are a huge help."

The training room also has a budding professional in Bryan Lurie. Hailing from Westchester University in Philadelphia, Pa. he is Downey’s assistant and is working toward a Masters in Nutrition and Physical Activity.

"EMU has been a good experience because I get to work with multiple teams, not just one," Lurie said. "This is a graduate assistantship and will help me in getting a position in the future."

The training room also has 12 work-study students who provide even more support for injured athletes. Kelly Smoker and Jared Morgan are in their second year of service.

"The main things we are responsible for are getting ice bags, medical kits, and water bottles to practices and games," Smoker said. "We get Mike what he needs when he needs it."

"We set up and tear down practice sessions as well," added Morgan. "Every day we are responsible for setup and cleanup."

Junior Camron Conrad is in his first year on staff, and so far enjoys the job.

"I like helping the athletes in any way I can," said Conrad. "It’s a social job; you get to know a lot of people you might not normally come in contact with."

According to the work-study students, the work atmosphere is relaxed. "Mike is a great boss, and all the workers get along," Conrad said.

The treatment room is clean and well-stocked with whatever is needed. Rehabilitation equipment such as treadmills and large exercise balls line the floor, along with tables, handy first aid stations, team practice schedules, and three adjoining rooms: a storage closet, office, and a room with tubs of water for soaking any swollen or sore limbs, or the entire body if need be.

A major task for Downey now is getting athletes medically eligible for competition. Physicals and other reports must be gathered for players to begin practice.

"We stay busy most of the time, and I’m glad to have such an enthusiastic and responsible staff," Downey said.

For athletes, and anyone else that needs it, EMU’s athletic training room and its competent staff are ready to serve.