(left to right) Jerry Shadbolt (Curriculum Director),
Kent Falb, Kelly Ramsdell (Assistant Athletic Trainer),
Toby Harkins (Head Athletic Trainer)

Former Detroit Lions Trainer Addresses Erskine Athletic Training Students

Kent Falb, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions from 1967 to 1999, spoke to faculty and students in Erskine's Athletic Training Program Nov. 12, telling them, "Life in the NFL is hard, but don't think that is the epitome of athletic training. You can make just as much difference and affect more people in a high school."

Falb, whose professional experience also includes serving as head athletic trainer at the NFL Pro Bowl in 1992, is past president of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), where he served two terms, from 1996 to 2000. He is also a NATA Hall of Fame Inductee for 1999.

"We are very fortunate to have Mr. Falb here at Erskine to share his insight and experiences with our students," said Jerry Shadbolt, Athletic Training Curriculum Coordinator and physical education professor.

"The Erskine College Athletic Training Program is blessed and takes pride in providing its students with opportunities like this –Mr. Falb is very well known and respected in the field of athletic training," said Shadbolt.

Falb recounted some of the emergency situations he has encountered over the years, and stressed the importance of being prepared for such events. Urging students to take pride in their profession, Falb said, "Don't ever call yourself a trainer–you're a certified athletic trainer. You've earned it, be proud of it. You've got to promote your profession.

"If you can't take ownership in this profession, don't bring the rest of us down–go do something else," said Falb, who received NATA's "Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer" award in 1997.

Falb told students, "You've chosen a noble profession, but it's going to change over the years. Be prepared for those changes."

Above all, Falb said, "Be happy and enjoy what you do."

The Athletic Training Program at Erskine College has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), making Erskine the only private school in South Carolina to have an accredited athletic training program.

The accreditation concludes a five-year process at Erskine, since athletic training was approved as a major at Erskine by the faculty in 1996. Now Erskine is one of only 138 undergraduate schools nationwide with an accredited program, and one of only three schools in South Carolina.