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Perry Weather has announced Eli Hallak, Head Athletic Trainer at St. Francis High School, as the recipient of its 2025 Athletic Trainer Excellence Award. The honor, now in its third year, celebrates Hallak’s decades of exceptional service, mentorship, and advocacy in athletic training.
Hallak has nearly 30 years of experience and is widely respected not only for his clinical expertise but also for his leadership in education and communication.
He is the creator and host of the podcast WRAP IT UP: Sports Medicine + More, which has become a go-to resource for Athletic Trainers across California and beyond. His episode unpacking the CIF Heat Stress & WBGT Mandate became a key tool for thousands of Athletic Trainers seeking to understand and implement the policy effectively.
“Eli’s unique ability to balance compassionate care with thoughtful innovation is what makes him so deserving of this special award,” said Tracy Traver, Principal at St. Francis High School. “His mentorship-driven approach has inspired many of our young men to pursue careers in sports medicine and athletic training.”
Todd Wolfson, Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, echoed that sentiment:
“Eli is the guy who shows up early, stays late, and somehow knows what an athlete needs before they do. He’s not just taping ankles—he’s building trust, resilience, and a culture of care.”
Perry Weather received a record-breaking 5,000 nominations this year, a reflection of the deep appreciation for Athletic Trainers within their communities.
“We take these awards seriously because Athletic Trainers deserve to be recognized in a big way,” said Colin Perry, CEO of Perry Weather. “Eli Hallak represents everything this award stands for: leadership, innovation, and impact.”
Hallak’s influence extends beyond the sidelines. He has guided aspiring professionals through the National Honor Society of Sports Medicine and the American Academic Competition Institute. Fr. Tony Marti, President of St. Francis High School, said:
“Eli has elevated our athletic training program to one of the highest levels in the region. We are proud to have him as a leader in our community.”
Former student-athlete and now COO at St. Francis, Andy Burghdorf, offered a heartfelt tribute:
“Eli’s professionalism and character have made him a cornerstone of our athletic community and a role model for Athletic Trainers nationwide. Thank you, Coach Hallak!”
Hallak joins previous award recipients Dustin Rush (2024) and David Csillan (2023), continuing the legacy of excellence recognized by Perry Weather. More here!
