Rangers heap praise on athletic trainers

The Drew University Athletic trainers have been attracting a lot of attention with the new addition to the department. At the beginning of the semester, Jen Rockett was hired as an athletic trainer to support the veteran Chris Ryan.
Despite the long days, the trainers love their work. “I work about 50 hours in a week, but I love my job,” Rockett said. She explained that, “the day is always unpredictable, but that’s what makes it fun.” The most satisfying part of her job is “seeing an athlete get better, and then watching them play,”
The trainers work with many people, among these Matt Altman (’11), a second baseman on Drew’s baseball team. In a water skiing accident, “I tore my ACL, hamstring tendon and the lateral structures of my knee,” Altman said. He has been working with the trainers since mid-August. “They really care about what they do. The most important thing for them is for you to get better,” Altman said. The valley of appreciation for the trainers runs deep. “Jen takes care of me like my mother would. Her dedication and kindness really expedites the recovery process,” said lacrosse midfielder Mike Sayers (’10).
Aside from Chris and Jen,  Priscilla Amponsah rounds out the team. Priscilla is a grad-student from Seton Hall, she works part-time and helps out in the often frantic training room. “Chris, Priscilla and Jen are like the Charlie’s Angels of athletic training. They always get the job done in style,” lacrosse midfielder Bobby Wilson (’10) said.
Many do not appreciate the significance of their role until suffering an injury. As Lacrosse defensive player Dan Fitzgerald (’10) said, “It would impossible for the athletic department to function without the tireless work of the Drew athletic trainers.”