ADVANCING THE PROFESSION OF ATHLETIC TRAINING IN IOWA TO BEST CARE FOR IOWANS.
Honors | Awards
Committee Chair
Richelle Williams
Committee Members
Lisa Bengston
Megan Brady
Natasha Schmitter
Kelli Snyder
Kara Gange
IATS Annual Awards
The IATS Honors and Awards Committee recognizes outstanding contributions to the profession of athletic training in the state of Iowa annually with awards. All award winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony at the annual meeting.
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Nominations due to the Honors and Awards Committee Chair by October 20th
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Nominees will have until November 20th to submit application materials.
Information on the award name, criteria, application process, and presentation are all found below. Nominations, for these awards only, can be mailed or submitted electronically. If submitted electronically a confirmation email will be sent to the nominator from the Honors and Awards committee.
Questions?
Richelle Williams
Chair, Honors | Awards Committee
Drake University
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Hall of Honor
The IATS Hall of Honor recognizes the very best of the athletic training profession and is the highest honor which may be bestowed upon a member. To be eligible for the IATS Hall of Honor, the nominee must...
Secondary School Athletic Trainer
of the Year
Awarded to an athletic trainer working primarily in the secondary school setting that demonstrates quality work and positively promotes the profession with student-athletes and coaches.
Young Professional Distinction Award
The IATS Young Professionals’ Distinction Award honors a young professional athletic trainer who has made a definitive impact on the athletic training profession and association at the various levels of organization (national, district, state). This is a meritorious award that recognizes contributions in the some of the following areas: service, professionalism, integrity, initiative, leadership, and ability to inspire other professionals.
Award of Merit
Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the profession of athletic training through advocacy, clinical work, scholarship or service and has ties to the state of Iowa through their education or employment. Selection committee will weigh contributions of applicants based upon: significance of contributions, strength of letters of recommendation, and longevity of career.
College/ University Athletic Trainer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer employed in the college/university setting that distinguishes themselves in the profession of athletic trainer through their work with athletes, pre-professional students, and contributions to IATS.
Professional Scholarship
Awarded to a full time student enrolled in am Iowa based CAATE accredited entry-level athletic training program and is an NATA member. See application for further eligibility requirements.
Educator of the Year
The IATS Educator of the Year Award is given to a member of IATS that has demonstrated outstanding abilities in educating future athletic trainers either at the high school or college/university levels. The selection committee will weigh contributions of applicants based upon: evidence of quality instruction, strength of program outcomes, and longevity of career.
Emerging Setting Athletic Trainer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer from an emerging setting (i.e., clinical, industrial, corporate) that distinguishes themselves
through their work with athletes, pre-professional students, and contributions to IATS.
Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer who has contributed the most to the efforts of the IATS during the year. Members of the IATS Executive Committee are not eligible for this award. The IATS Executive committee members will nominate and determine the award winner based on past and current contributions to IATS.
Athletic Training Service Award
This award recognizes IATS members for their contributions to the athletic training profession at the local and state levels.
Award & Scholarship Information
IATS Hall of Honor
The IATS Hall of Honor recognizes the very best of the athletic training profession and is the highest honor that is bestowed upon a member. To be eligible for the IATS Hall of Honor, the nominee must:
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Be a former or current member of IATS, a member in good standing with the NATA, left the profession in good standing, or has retired.
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Must have at least 20 years of service as a certified athletic trainer.
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Must have been licensed in good standing by the State of Iowa.
Applications Process:
Submission of all materials to the Honors and Awards Committee listed in the IATS Hall of Honor Nomination Packet.
Submit Application Materials Here
Hall of Honor Inductees:
2022 - Mary Meier (Iowa State University)
2021 - Eric Knudson (Bettendorf HS)
2020 - Troy Kleese (Des Moines)
2019 - Jill White (Council Bluffs)
2018 - Kurt Flathers (Clinton High School), Jennifer McHenry (Iowa City High School)
2016 - Diane Bartholomew (Graceland College)
2015 - Doug West (University of Iowa)
2014 - Mark Coberley (Iowa State University)
2012 - Marty Anderegg (The Iowa Clinic)
2011 - Steve Knoche (Davenport Central High School)
2009 - Alan Beste (Iowa High School Athletic Association)
2008 - John Strief (University of Iowa)
2007 - Paul Flynn (Bettendorf High School), Betty Hoff (Luther College), John Roslien (Central College)
2006 - Shaun McCarthy (Coe College), Terry Noonan (University of Northern Iowa)
2005 - Warren Ariail (Iowa State Univ.), Ed Crowley (Univ. of Iowa), Arthur Dickinson (Univ. of Northern Iowa), Roger Egland (Buena Vista Univ.), Danny Foster (Univ. of Iowa), Charles Frank Randall (Iowa State Univ.), Reggie Speak (Bettenforf High School)
IATS Award of Merit
Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the profession of athletic training through advocacy, clinical work, scholarship or service and has ties to the state of Iowa through their education or employment. Selection committee will weigh contributions of applicants based upon: significance of contributions, strength of letters of recommendation, and longevity of career.
Application Process:
Letter of nomination from an athletic trainer or healthcare professional that focuses on the nominee’s education, a summary of employment, and contributions or influence on the profession of athletic training.
Submit Application Materials Here
Past Recipients:
2024 - Doug Struk, Jim Carney, Jennifer Dorman, Megan Carlson (Carney & Appleby Law)
2022 - Dr. Nicholas Galioto (Broadlawns Medical Center), Dr. Scott Meyer MD (Iowa Ortho)
2021 - Senator Chris Cournoyer (Scott County)
2020 - Dr. Shawn Spooner (Unity Point Des Moines)
2018 - Representative Megan Jones (Sioux Rapids), Senator Tod Bowman (Maquoketa)
2017 - Dr. Jeff Davick (Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons)
2016 - Dr. Rick Wilkerson (Sports Medicine Northwest)
2015 - Dr. John Albright (University of Iowa Sports Medicine)
2014 - Dr. David Rathe (Rohlf Memorial Clinic, Waverly)
2013 - Dr. Steven Taylor (Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons)
2012 - Dr. Andy Edwards (Bettendorf High School)
2010 - Dr. Ralph Congdon (Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Associates, P. C., Bettendorf)
2009 - Dr. Thomas Jacobsen (Northwestern College)
IATS Educator of the Year
The IATS Educator of the Year Award is given to a member of IATS who has demonstrated outstanding abilities in educating future athletic trainers either at the high school or college/university levels. The selection committee will weigh contributions of applicants based upon: evidence of quality instruction, strength of program outcomes, and longevity of career.
Application Process:
Submission of all materials to the Honors and Awards Committee listed in the IATS Educator of the Year Nomination Packet.
Submit Application Materials Here
Past Recipients:
2024 - Dr. Sean Rogers (Drake University)
2023 - Dr. Richelle Williams (Drake University)
2022 - Dr. Jessice Edler Nye (Grand View University)
2021 - Megan Lundstrom (University of Iowa)
2020 - Shanon Peel (Iowa State University)
2019 - Tricia Schrage (UNI)
2018 - Megan Brady (Drake University)
2017 - Jamie Schoenherr (Buena Vista University)
2014 - Mary Meier (Iowa State University)
2013 - Diane Bartholomew (Graceland University)
2012 - Nathan Newman (Loras College)
2011 - Chris Viesselman (Central College)
2010 - Brian Solberg (Luther College)
2009 - Victor Miller (Iowa State University)
2008 - Mike Hadden (Simpson College)
2005 - Mike Lawler (University of Iowa)
IATS Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer who has contributed the most to the efforts of the IATS during the year. Members of the IATS Executive Committee are not eligible for this award. The IATS Executive committee members will nominate and determine the award winner based on past and current contributions to IATS.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Anna Manternach (Liberty High School)
2023 - Jason Viel (Rock Valley PT)
2022 - Dr. Brad Floy (University of Iowa)
2021 - CommunicATions Committee (Katie Berger, Jessica Rummery, Chelsea Lowe)
2020 - Christine Black (Drake)
2019 - Ashley Allenstein (Athletico)
2018 - Ashley Weier (The Athletic Training Room)
2017 - Dustin Briggs (Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, Pella)
2016 - Michael Donahue (The Athletic Training Room, Ankeny)
2015 - Troy Kleese (Physiotherapy Associates)
2014 - Jill Hendricks (Linn-Mar High School)
2013 - Amanda Brown (Iowa State University)
2012 - Kevin Melchert (Iowa Health System, Cedar Rapids)
2011 - Chris Wiedmann (Iowa Health, Des Moines)
2010 - Jill White (Jenni Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs)
2009 - Shaun McCarthy (Coe College)
IATS Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year
Awarded to an athletic trainer working primarily in the secondary school setting who demonstrates quality work and positively promotes the profession with student-athletes and coaches.
Application Process:
Please submit the following:
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Two letters of nomination from an athletic trainer or healthcare professional that focuses on how the athletic trainer has distinguished themselves from other athletic trainers at secondary schools through service to the profession, practicing athletic training at a high level, or through interactions with allied healthcare professionals, families, or athletes.
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Submission of the nominee's resume or vitae.
Submit Application Materials Here
Past Recipients:
2024 - Tyler Beauchamp (Rock Valley PT, Davenport Central High School)
2023 - Anna Manternach (Liberty High School)
2022 - Jessica Rummery (Rock Valley PT, Bettendorf High School)
2021 - Sheila Stiles (Iowa City West)
2020 - Kayla Hutton (Athletico - Dike-New Hartford High School)
2019 - Kevin Carlson (Sports Medicine Northwest)
2018 - Kaelene Voorhees (Rock Valley PT, Davenport Assumption High School)
2017 - Stacey Schuermann (Rock Valley PT, Alleman High School)
2016 - Craig Wainwright (Orthopedic Specialists, Bettendorf)
2015 - Scott Lockart (Waterloo Columbus)
2014 - Eric Knudson (Bettendorf)
2013 - Sue Thiesen (Western Dubuque)
2011 - Jaime Elrod
2010 - Troy Kleese (Des Moines, Iowa)
IATS College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer employed in the college/university setting who distinguishes themselves in the profession of athletic trainer through their work with athletes, pre-professional students, and contributions to IATS.
Application Process:
Please submit the following:
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Two letters of nomination from an athletic trainer or healthcare professional that focus on how the athletic trainer has distinguished themselves from other athletic trainers at colleges/universities. This may be through service to the IATS, educational service as a preceptor or instructor, practicing athletic training at a high level, or interactions with healthcare professionals.
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Submission of the nominee's resume or vitae.
Submit Application Materials Here
Past Recipients:
2024 - Jon Fravel (University of Iowa)
2023 - Katie Berger (University of Iowa)
2022 - Dr. Emma Nye (Grand View University)
2021 - Chelsea Lowe (University of Northern Iowa)
2020 - Timothy Weesner (Iowa State University)
2019 - Jennie Sertterh (University of Iowa)
2017 - Frank Neu (Central College)
2015 - Megan Brady (University of Northern Iowa)
2014 - Brad Floy (University of Iowa)
2013 - Don Bishop (University of Northern Iowa)
2012 - Mark Coberly (Iowa State University)
2011 - Tim Koberna (Wartburg College)
2010 - Leslie Duinink (Central College)
IATS Emerging Setting Athletic Trainer of the Year
Awarded to the athletic trainer from an emerging setting (i.e., clinical, industrial, corporate) that distinguishes themselves in the profession of athletic trainer through their work with athletes, pre-professional students, and contributions to IATS.
Application Process:
Please submit the following:
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Two letters of nomination from an athletic trainer or healthcare professional that focus on how the athletic trainer distinguished themselves through service to the profession, exemplary practice of athletic trainer, or interactions with allied healthcare professionals or patients.
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Submission of the nominee's resume or vitae.
Submit Application Materials Here
Past Recipients:
2023 - Jennifer Kruse (ATI Worksite Solutions)
2022 - Sean Schneider (ATI Worksite Solutions)
2018 - Sue Wilson (CTE Hope)
2012 - Otto Krueger (Krueger Chiropractic, Ankeny)
2011 - Kevin Neegard (CNOS, Dakota Dunes, SD)
2010 - Steve Mather (Mercy Riverside Rehabilitation, Des Moines)
IATS Athletic Training Service Award
This award recognizes IATS members for their contributions to the athletic training profession at the local and state levels. To be eligible for the IATS Athletic Training Service Award, the nominee must:
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Nominees must be a current IATS member in good standing with a minimum of 15 years of IATS membership and 20 years of BOC certification
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Application review is weighted toward consistent, on-going, and significant service contributions to IATS
Application Process:
Please submit the following:
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Submission of 2 additional letters of support
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Submission of nominee’s resume and vitae
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Submission of service statement and outline (document will be provided to nominee)
Submit Application Materials Here
IATS Young Professional Distinction Award
The IATS Young Professionals’ Distinction Award honors a young professional athletic trainer who has made a definitive impact on the athletic training profession and association at the various levels of organization (national, district, state). This is a meritorious award that recognizes contributions in the some of the following areas: service, professionalism, integrity, initiative, leadership, and ability to inspire other professionals. To be eligible for the IATS Young Professional Distinction Award, the nominee must:
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Be a certified member or certified student member of IATS
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Must be considered a 'young professional' at the time of nomination (under 12 years of certification)
Application Process:
Please submit the following:
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Submission of two additional letters of support
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Submission of nominees resume or vitae
Submit Application Materials Here
IATS Professional Scholarship
Awarded to a full time student enrolled in an Iowa based CAATE accredited entry-level athletic training program and is an NATA member. See application for further eligibility requirements.
Submit Application Materials Here
Application Process:
Download and complete Professional Scholarship application packet.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Salisa Hauber and Jordan Jack
2023 - Tswvfeng (Chew) Vang and Jordan Jack
2022 - Makayla Bjork, Michaela Hoffman, Tianna Janssen
2020 - Jason Geisler (University of Iowa)
2019 - Hannah Ran Roekel (Iowa State)
2018 - Taylor Illg (Loras) & Kelsey Kramer (Central)
2017 - Kelly Sabers (ISU) & Josh Hoffman (Buena Vista)