Ithaca College

Senior AT Major, Katelyn Dolan will have her trip to the 2019 NATA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV paid for by the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Due to her incredible leadership and professional accomplishments as an undergraduate association member, Katie is being awarded the Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award, the only winner from District 2 of the NATA.

The NATA’s Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award was created to recognize one of the true pioneers in athletic training and the instrumental role he has played in the profession. It provides a deserving student from each district assistance to attend NATA’s annual convention. This is the first Ithaca College student to win this prestigious award since I’ve been at IC, since 2005-06!

Robert “Bobby” Gunn was a true unsung hero of athletic training. He was a founding officer of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) in 1955 and served as SWATA vice president from 1955-56 and SWATA president for two consecutive terms in 1956 and 1957. During this time, Gunn typed the original SWATA constitution. He became the District Six director in 1963. From 1965-69, he served on the NATA Board of Directors, the last two years as chair. Gunn was the first person elected and re-elected, serving as NATA president from 1970-74. Along with his commitment regionally and nationally, Gunn also served as a representative to the Joint Commission on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, American College Health Association and AMA Conference on Medical Aspects of Sports.

In addition to his service to the profession, he also served as athletic trainer for the third Pan Am Games (1959), Lamar University (1962), USA Soccer Team (1964), Pan Am Games (1967), NFL Washington Redskins, Houston Oilers (1962-1974), Shreveport Steamer of World Football League (1974) and five Texas High School Coaches Association All Star Games. He completed his career as a clinical outreach athletic trainer with Baylor Hospital system. After years of commitment, service and contribution, Gunn was honored as a SWATA Hall of Fame charter member and NATA Hall of Fame member.

The BGL Award is given to deserving undergraduate or entry-level master's students who are members of NATA, and it provides a travel stipend for the Annual NATA convention, held in Las Vegas in June, 2019. NATA will also waive the convention registration fee for Katie. Katie will be recognized during the Pinky Newell Scholarship & Student Leadership Breakfast in Las Vegas.

Congrats to Katie, and to ALL who have supported, mentored and lead her towards this accomplishment—in any capacity!