While they may take a shadowed role in the world of sports, Augustana athletic trainers like Sean Morse contribute to the success of many sporting teams.
Morse knew he wanted to work more with collegiate athletics rather than clinic or high schools. It was mainly because he loved the competitive environment and atmosphere that comes with college sports. Morse came to Augustana College for an interview and toured the campus while talking to some athletic staff.
He realized that this place was a “great fit” for him.
“I felt very welcomed and appreciated when I met with the various folks on my interview,” Morse said.  “The campus and athletic facilities were also quite impressive compared to some other institutions I have seen in my past experience.”
Morse graduated from West Chester University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training in 2011. He also graduated from Ohio University in 2013 with a Master’s of Science in Athletic Training. While attending Ohio University, Morse worked as a graduate assistant working mainly with the wrestling team.
Morse became an athletic trainer because he wanted to go into the medical field and work with a large athletic population.
“I was initially introduced to athletic training in high school and speaking with the athletic trainer there,” Morse said. “He swayed me towards athletic training versus physical therapy…(with one of the reasons of])having the continuity of seeing a patient through the entire injury/rehabilitative process.”
Morse said he focuses on various rehabilitative and preventative exercises mainly focusing on,“regaining muscle strength and joint range of motion and then high level functional activity with the goal of returning an injured athlete to the playing field.”
Junior Chris Sauer, who was an athlete who was injured playing baseball last year, said the trainers, such as Morse, do a great job of helping the athletes and how important they are.
“If you feel the need to go to an athletic trainer, I’d say don’t hesitate to go,” Sauer said.
Morse works alongside fellow trainers Anna Smith, Denise Yoder and Jay Clark at Augustana and is entering his third year as a athletic trainer.