Kansas City, MO – University of the Cumberlands athletic trainer Rashaun Bailey has been named the NAIA-ATA Athletic Trainer of the Year, announced Monday as part of the NAIA National Awards Day. Bailey earned this award for distinguishing self as a model of the profession through his personal conduct and professional allied health service to athletes.

"This is a tremendous honor for Rashaun and he has represented Cumberlands with the utmost professionalism," said Athletic Director Chris Kraftick. "He was faced with such a difficult situation and handled it in stride for the best outcome. It shows just how valuable athletic trainers are."
A week after returning to UC as a full time certified athletic trainer and while covering his first official event, an away men's basketball game, one of the players collapsed courtside prior to the start of the game.  Bailey immediately tended to the player, who was suffering a seizure episode.  The athlete initially came through the episode and seemed fine, however a minute later he lapsed into unconsciousness but was breathing.

Within five minutes of collapsing, the players respirations stopped at which point Bailey began CPR as the host team Athletic Trainers were preparing the AED.  Eventually the combination of CPR and two shocks from the AED restored the player's heartbeat along with his breathing.  Bailey than accompanied the athlete via ambulance to the hospital and stayed by his side for the next day and a half until his family arrived to be with him.

Bailey and the athlete have forged a bonding through this adversity and have continued to work closely throughout the recovery process.

Bailey stepped down from his position at UC in May and is currently serving as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Bears.
"We continue to wish Rashaun nothing but the best as he is now working in the NFL for the Bears," Kraftick added.
Earlier this year, Bailey received the Mid-South Conference Above & Beyond Award as well as the KATS Colligate Athletic Trainer of the Year.

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