Jim Gillen, head athletic trainer for the Nuggets, hasn’t strayed far from his roots.
Formerly the trainer at Overland High School in Aurora, Gillen experienced the need for trainers on lower levels.
In the latest version of his program, Excellence in High School Athletic Training, Gillen not only has recognized prep trainers, he has added a comeback player of the year.
Gillen, the Nuggets and HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute have cited three high schools in Colorado and Wyoming for dedication to training.
Frederick (Megan Hodde), Greeley Central (Markee Swank) and Wyoming’s Sheridan (Joanne Brewster) each will receive $2,000 for their training departments, and Fossil Ridge basketball star Chris Hansen of Fort Collins will receive a $1,500 scholarship for postsecondary education after returning from a severe leg injury.
“There is a great need for certified athletic trainers in our high schools,” Gillen said. “For the past eight years, we have helped Colorado and Wyoming high schools provide excellent care to their athletes and also educate students who want to pursue a career in athletic training.”
Each school’s training department will use the funds to provide training-room improvements, supplies and student training.
