On July 16, longtime Fort Davis resident Charles David Prude was recognized by the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association (TSATA) with induction into its prestigious Hall of Honor.
A native of West Texas, Prude graduated from Fort Davis High School before pursuing athletic training at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). As a Bobcat, he worked with the NCAA Division II National Championship football team, an experience that helped shape his career. After earning his B.S. in athletic training in 1983, he served as an LAT/ATC at Del Rio and Fort Stockton high schools.
Prude later returned to Fort Davis, completing two master’s degrees at Sul Ross State University in Alpine—an M.Ed. in public school administration (1998) and an M.Ed. in kinesiology and exercise science (2002). He went on to serve as head Athletic Trainer and academic lecturer at Sul Ross until his retirement from public schools in 2015.
Over his 46-year career, Prude was honored as a distinguished alumnus by Texas State, helped earn the American Southwest Conference Athletic Training Staff of the Year award, treated countless high school and NCAA athletes, and guided student Athletic Trainers toward their own careers.
Beyond the training room, Prude gave back to his community by volunteering his expertise to high school and college rodeo athletes, professional bull riders, and rural schools without full-time Athletic Trainers.
The TSATA describes itself as “by Texas athletic trainers, about Texas athletic trainers, and for Texas athletic trainers,” serving as the voice of the profession in the state. Prude’s nomination by peers was a testament to his lifelong commitment to athletes, students, and the profession. He was honored in a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More details here!