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In Kearney, Nebraska, Dave Regier cherishes his annual trip to volunteer in his home state.
“Coming back to Nebraska, the good life. Let me tell you, doesn’t get any better than here.”
The Hampton native, now residing in Texas, has dedicated his time and expertise as an Athletic Trainer for six years at the Nebraska Shrine Bowl.
“Taking care of the roots. Taking care of the good kids of Nebraska.”
Regier’s motivation goes beyond returning to the Cornhusker State; he gives back to the organization that gave him his mobility.
“If it wasn’t for the Shrine organization, I wouldn’t be standing here. I would have been a slug on the couch on disability not working.”
Born with Fibular Hemimelia, Regier lacked a calf muscle and fibular bone in his left leg. At 11, doctors at Shriners Children’s in Minneapolis amputated his leg and provided him with a prosthetic.
“With that, they gave me the ability to have a 45-year, unbelievable career."
His career began as a student trainer with the Nebraska football team. He later served as head Athletic Trainer at Winona State and assistant trainer at TCU, spending most of his career in physical therapy and rehab clinics.
South Team head coach Ryan Gottula appreciates Regier’s contributions.
“Dave has done a great job of getting these guys ready for the end of the week here and ready to play a great game. To donate his time to do that, that’s pretty special.”
Regier also served 19 years as director of sports medicine at the collegiate East-West Shrine Bowl Game.
“If it’s just volunteering one day, one month — whatever it is — it just makes you feel so good."
Watch his full video interview here!
