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Coaches and players have always been a staple on the sidelines at Lakeview, but another staple on the Viking sideline has been their Athletic Trainer, Mike Sloup.
On Friday, Sloup was inducted into the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame during the group's Summer Education Conference in Kearney.
"It's been a work of not only me, I've been surrounded by some great colleagues, other great athletic trainers in the Columbus area and around the state. I've had great school administrators, coaches, athletes, and parents to work with. This is something that is truly humbling and I know this award is just not about me."
Sloup was honored after over 20 years of working in the Columbus area for the Columbus Community Hospital (CCH). CCH Vice President of Operations Scott Messersmith said:
"He's built and developed a wonderful partnership with Lakeview schools, its athletes, parents, administrators, and coaches. We are extremely proud of him for his multiple accomplishments and honors and we're glad to recognize him for the top sports medicine guy that he is."
Sloup's journey into athletic training began while playing sports at Midland Lutheran College, now Midland University.
"When I started out in college, I didn't know what athletic training was. I was playing athletics, had an injury my sophomore year, and got working with the great trainer there. I liked the idea of healthcare and medicine, but I really liked sports so this kind of married the two together and got me into a profession that I really enjoy."
After starting his career at Omaha Benson and a stint with a hockey team in South Dakota, Sloup returned to Nebraska and has been with CCH for over two decades.
"There's an old saying about doing something that you love and you never feel like you have a job. I've really truly been living that. At the beginning of every school year, I'm excited to get out there with the kids and the coaches. I truly enjoy what I do, it does not feel like a job and it's something I take pride in."
Sloup's dedication extends beyond Lakeview as he has worked with other schools in the surrounding areas and at NSAA state events.
"Working state events is kind of one of the best things I do. I love working multiple state events and seeing the best athletes in the state competing at the highest level."
Moreover, Sloup has had a significant impact on future healthcare professionals through his student aid program for athletic training students.
"One of the professional joys that I have is my student aid program for athletic training students. Some of my proudest moments are seeing those former students becoming healthcare professionals and Athletic Trainers. It's always awesome seeing those former students of mine being successful, especially in the program that I love being a part of."
Sloup's commitment and passion for athletic training have made him an invaluable part of the Lakeview community, and his recent induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his impactful career.
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