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For nearly four decades, Barry Atkinson was a fixture at Laurens District High School (LDHS), serving as the school’s Athletic Trainer for 36 years. His journey began at Furman University, where he worked as a student athletic trainer and developed a love for sports medicine despite not being an athlete himself.
“I never felt like I went to work,” Atkinson said. “I was doing something I loved; it kept me young being around the athletes and it was just a lot of fun every day.”
The work, however, was demanding. Atkinson’s days often started at 6 a.m. and stretched into 12- to 18-hour shifts, plus weekends. From injury prevention and treatment to rehabilitation and emotional support, he became a constant presence for generations of athletes.
“They become family to you,” Atkinson said. “It’s kind of like they are your kids and you’re their second dad in a lot of cases… You have to keep pushing, setting small goals and reaching them along the way.”
Atkinson retired nine years ago, but his impact continues to resonate. On Friday, LDHS will name its training facility in his honor.
“The fact that this is done is a great honor,” Atkinson said, crediting former athletes, community members, and school leadership for supporting the recognition. “I didn’t know about it until after the fact but it’s certainly an honor.”
Now an avid reader and concertgoer, Atkinson enjoys time with his wife, Martha Kay, their children, and five grandchildren. But his true legacy, he insists, lies in the athletes he’s helped.
“One of the greatest satisfactions of my life is seeing a kid get back to doing what they want to do at a high level,” he said.
A reception was held Friday, Sept. 5, in the Laurens High School Gymnasium Atrium, with recognition before the Raiders football game. Check out the full story here!
