UH Parma Athletic Trainer At Valley Forge High School Wins National Service Award

A 14-year record of treating and advising high school athletes during all practices and home games has resulted in a national award for a certified athletic trainer at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center.

David Rauch, who has worked with student athletes at Valley Forge High School in Parma since 2002 and travels with the varsity football team, was honored at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association convention in Baltimore this summer. The prestigious Athletic Trainer Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the athletic training profession, and decades of service and leadership at the state and local levels.

Rauch covers home sporting events at Valley Forge High School and travels with the varsity football team. He spends afternoons at the school, providing treatments and injury checks, overseeing practices and preparing teams for home games. He works with team physicians from Southwest Orthopedics and UH Orthopedics to ensure athletes are seen if needed. 

The current Vice President of Inter-Association Affairs for the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association, Rauch has represented the organization at both the regional and district levels. He also is a previous recipient of the Valley Forge PTA’s Helping Hands award for his care of the high school’s athletes. He is a resident of Parma.

“High school student athletes benefit from having someone neutral on their side, who can help them in a time of need,” Rauch says. “When an injury occurs, the athlete and family know they can count on me to help them return to optimal health. I enjoy helping student athletes get back to activities and doing what they love to do. My door is always open to any athlete. Communication with coaches and parents is a vital part of my profession.”

Rauch also enjoys promoting his profession to high school students. He has mentored many students who have chosen health care fields, including athletic training, nursing and radiology. He received his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Wilmington College of Ohio in 1995 and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee in 1997.

CJ Sheppard

Senior Communications Strategist, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

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Volume 8, Issue 9, Posted 9:12 AM, 09.02.2016