Bowling Green, KY – Over the course of the past year one of the departments that was instrumental in aiding Cumberlands ability to complete the season in the face of COVID-19 was the Athletic Trainers.  On Thursday, the Patriots Athletic Training Staff were recognized, along with the other 11 training staff's in the conference, with the Mid-South Conference 2020-2021 Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, conference officials announced. 

In lieu of the league's annual Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, which is normally voted upon by the athletic trainers at the end of each academic year, the MSC is honoring each and every staff, especially for their tireless efforts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We collectively are honored to all be recognized with the MSC Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award," said Head UC Certified Athletic Trainer Peggy Haus.  "There was not a athletic training staff at any level of athletic competition, that did not have to make significant changes in operation in order to protect the health and welfare of our student athletes, coaches and Athletic Department personnel.  We all did our part and we all made a difference."

The Cumberlands Athletic Training Staff, which includes Peggy Haus, Brina Strebeck, Ashley Konrad, Heidi Zwick, Thomas Simac, and Hannah England who in addition to their regular sports medicine responsibilities administered and enforced countless COVID-19 protocols to student-athletes and coaches, and facilitated health and safety measures that allowed the Patriots to compete at the conference and national levels in a safe manner.

"This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that our fantastic athletic training staff, especially under these unique conditions, brought on by COVID," said Athletic Director Chris Kraftick.  "They were instrumental in implementing the COVID protocols and adapting to unprecedented schedule in the spring."

It marks the second time that UC has garnered this award since its implementation during the 2014-2015 season.  The Patriots also earned this honor in the 2015-2016 season. 

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