Meet Our Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers work with anyone who engages in physical activity. They specialize in prevention, recognition and evaluation of injuries, provide emergency care on the field, and guide rehabilitation after treatment.
Nicole Balderston, MS, LAT, ATC
Lead Athletic Trainer
- Graduated Delta State University with a Master of Science in Sports and Human Performance
- Graduated University of Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training.
- BOC-certified Athletic trainer
- Licensed to practice under the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
Evan Bowers, MS, LAT, ATC
- Graduated from Pittsburg State University with an M.S. in Health, Human Performance and Recreation
- Graduated from Emporia State University with a B.S. in Athletic Training
- BOC-certified Athletic Trainer
- Licensed to practice under the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
- Athletic Trainer at Salina South High School
Shelby Barrett, LAT, ATC, FRCms
- Graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
- BOC-certified Athletic Trainer
- Licensed to practice under the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
- Athletic Trainer at Salina Central High School
Kelsey Wilson, MS, LAT, ATC
•Master of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, University of North Alabama
•Bachelor of Arts of Athletic Training, Wichita State University
•Minor in Psychology, Wichita State University
•Board of Certification of Athletic Training
•Basic Life Support (BLS)
•Athletic Trainer at McPherson College
Robert Harp, M.Ed., LAT, ATC
- Master of Education, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Bachelor of Science Athletic Training, Wichita State University
- Bachelor of Science Exercise Science, Wichita State University
- Associates of Science Degree, Cowley County Community College
- Board of Certification of Athletic Training
- Athletic Trainer at Smoky Valley and Southeast of Saline High Schools
Abe Noll, LAT, ATC, CSCS
- Graduated from Benedictine College with a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training
- BOC-certified Athletic Trainer and licensed to practice under the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
- ITAT (ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer)
- CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)
- Athletic Trainer at Southeast of Saline High Schools
In the clinic:
Athletic Trainers assist physicians by taking patient history; splint/cast removal; instructing and demonstrating rehabilitative exercises based on signs, symptoms and diagnosis; suture and staple removal; splint/cast application; ordering X-rays; referring patients to physical therapy; wound care; brace/crutch/walker fitting; and performing pre-rehabilitative exercises for joint replacement candidates.
At the local schools:
- Offer weekly medical coverage for sports practices and games
- Educate athletes, coaches and parents on the signs and symptoms of concussion along with appropriate concussion management
- Educate athletes regarding nutritional aspects of physical activity
- Assess athletes for potential injuries/illnesses or risk factors that would increase their risk of injury/illness
- Evaluate and diagnose athletes with acute, sub-acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders and medical conditions
- Refer athletes to the proper health care professionals based on the results of evaluations
- Implement appropriate emergency injury and illness management strategies following a pre-established emergency action plan
- Select and apply proper therapeutic interventions based on athlete's injury, signs and symptoms
- Act as a liaison between athletes and physicians