Range Rider

Despite Waylon Jennings’ cautionary words in his hit song “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, some did not take heed of his words. As a result, the rise of rodeo events has become commonplace, as well as the sore muscles and injuries that come with it. Thankfully, Hardin-Simmons develops athletic trainers, such as Adam Hotaling (’07) and Keith Skates (’06), to take care of these rodeo cowboys. “Every aspect of the Hardin-Simmons Athletic Training Program (ATP) prepared me for my career. The University was really good about making sure it provided me with anything that would help me grow as a man and a professional,” Skates said. Hotaling and Skates were a part of the Hardin-Simmons ATP directed by David Stuckey, associate professor of fitness and sport sciences. Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients. The ATP is dedicated to the development of future athletic training professionals by providing students with unique and rewarding opportunities, such as in-depth education and field experience. Currently, Hotaling, Skates, and HSU graduate, Shiloh Reaves (’15) work at the Fit-N-Wise clinic in Decatur, Texas. At the clinic, Hotaling works as an Athletic Trainer for the Rodeo Sports Medicine Team. Skates is the Coordinator for Rodeo Sports Medicine and Mobile Sports Medicine Team, and Reaves serves as a high school athletic trainer. Holting and Skates serve in positions that are mentally and physically challenging. Hotaling recalled a time when his skills were put to a test while working for the Bullfighters Only Championship at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hotaling and Skates were supervising a bullfighting event, in which the competitor would have to maneuver around an angry fighting bull in a closed pen. However, one bullfighter failed to accurately avoid the bull, and Hotaling and Skates were forced to go inside the pen with the animal to assist and take care of the injured cowboy. Thankfully, they were able to distract the bull long enough to get the cowboy safely to the hospital. Stuckey had the privilege of teaching Hotaling and Skate. Based on their performances and dedication at HSU, Stuckey knew these two men would find success in their future careers. “They both had a great work ethic and used this to become great clinical problem-solvers,” Stuckey said. Students who graduate fromHSU’s accredited ATP are eligible to take the certification exam to become a licensed and certified athletic trainer, which gives students the opportunity to practice in the 49 states that regulate athletic training. “With the program being accredited, the transition from college to the professional field is a lot easier. Because of benefits like this, I was able to get an internship with the Texas Rangers,” Skates said. After graduating from HSU, Hotaling and Skates worked in high school facilities before working with Elite Rodeo Athletes, Bullfighters Only, and many more rodeo events. They have had the chance to travel all around the country and work with over 100 world champions. “My experience at HSU was truly great, and I am very thankful for the preparation and opportunities it gave me too,” Hotaling said. —Krista Wester (’20) TO THE Rodeo’s Rescue: The Team Behind the Rodeo Stars RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2017 15