From time to time, student-athletes get injured. The athletic training staff is present at home games and practices and provides emergency medical care as needed. Most injuries do not require visiting a doctor. Our certified athletic trainers are skilled in evaluating injuries and establishing treatment protocols and rehabilitation programs to return student-athletes to full health. Injuries require time to heal, and overuse injuries often require more time than acute injuries such as contusions and sprains. If no improvement occurs, we refer to a doctor, and at that point we provide key insights on what specifically alleviates or irritates the condition. That information is critical and helpful to the physician making a diagnosis.

Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, recognition, evaluation, assessment, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries to athletes and to those engaged in physical activity. The National Athletic Trainers' Association is the largest organization representing athletic trainers. Certified athletic trainers have met the educational and experiential requirements of the NATA Board of Certification and have passed a national competency examination. Our staff also maintains American Red Cross certification in CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer.

The physicians we work with are among the best orthopedic doctors in Southern California. A student-athlete's primary insurance determines which health care provider they are referred to for further consultation. Beyond orthopedics, referrals may also be made to neurologists, dentists and other specialists as needed. Our primary team physician is Dr. David Kruse, with Cedars-Sinai. Linda Ruggles is our insurance specialist on staff.

Certified athletic trainers travel with high-risk sports to almost all matches and competitions. When a Biola athletic trainer does not travel, the host school provides athletic training coverage. If a student-athlete has any special needs, we notify the host athletic trainer before the event so those needs can be met appropriately.

Since the terms and conditions of scholarships may vary, you should be in direct contact with the head coach of the team that made the award. The athletic training staff has no input on the awarding of scholarships. It is important to note that all athletic aid agreements are for one year only per NCAA legislation (15.5.3.1).

Because most student-athletes are legal adults, there are limits on how much we can discuss with parents directly. If a concern arises, encourage your student-athlete to contact our Director of Sports Medicine, John Wiese.

• John Wiese, Director of Sports Medicine
• Linda Ruggles, Associate Athletic Trainer
• Elle Baca, Athletic Trainer
• Kayla Yanke, Athletic Trainer
• Abner Rodriguez, Athletic Trainer
• Kenton Tom, Athletic Trainer
• Matt Larsen, Director of Sport Performance
• David Kruse, MD, Team Physician