Athletic Trainer Honored as the First Recipient of New Statewide Award

For more than 25 years, Scott Unruh has helped shape Athletic Training education and sports medicine throughout Nebraska. Now, his lifelong commitment to the profession has earned him a fitting honor.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney faculty member is the inaugural recipient of the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association (NSATA) Pillar of Athletic Training Award, recognizing exceptional service, advocacy, mentorship, and community outreach.

"To be recognized for the very work you have done in the state by your peers is extremely humbling," Unruh said.

Since joining UNK in 1999 as director of the Athletic Training education program, Unruh has guided the program through significant changes in professional education. He led the program through its initial national accreditation in 2002 and later helped establish the university's Master of Athletic Training program, the first new graduate program created at UNK since joining the University of Nebraska System.

Beyond the classroom, Unruh has worked to strengthen Athletic Training services across rural Nebraska by partnering with emergency medical services, promoting emergency action planning, and helping graduates establish Athletic Training programs in communities throughout the state.

Another highlight of his career is the Injury and Rehabilitation Clinic at UNK, which provides free musculoskeletal evaluations while giving Athletic Training students valuable hands-on clinical experience.

"The experience enables the students to work with their injury evaluation skills, therapeutic decision-making and application in a controlled environment," Unruh said. "It helps bridge the gap between classroom or lab training and the actual varied clinical settings that students are exposed to."

Despite receiving one of Nebraska's highest Athletic Training honors, Unruh says his greatest accomplishment remains the success of his students.

"As an educator, I'm most proud of the success of our graduates from the UNK Athletic Training program," he said. "Our graduates are some of the best in the business. They have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments."

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