BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Mid-South Conference has announced that Derek Port has been award their Above and Beyond Award while the entire Campbellsville University athletic training staff has been honored as the 2021-22 MSC Athletic Training Staff of the Year.
 
Port has now won the Above & Beyond Award in four separate years (2014-15, 2015-16, 2018-19, 2021-22).
 
The athletic training staff at Campbellsville now handle 19 different sports and 32 total teams.
 
"It is an honor to be recognized within the Mid-South Conference.  I lean on the athletic trainers from each institution to learn new tricks of the trade, to help manage the athletic training room at Campbellsville, and as lifelong friends," said Port. "Each one of them helps me be a better athletic trainer and to provide improved healthcare to the student-athletes at Campbellsville each year. Mr. Jim Hardy (Athletic Director), Mr. Rusty Hollingsworth (Vice President for Athletics and Student Services), and President Hopkins continue to support the athletic training department and the health and wellness of our student-athletes unconditionally and that makes my job enjoyable and fulfilling.  Hopefully I can continue to improve myself each year and help bring athletic healthcare to a new level."
 
"I cannot say enough about how much this recognition means to me and my staff.  I push them relentlessly to recognize that we are working for our student-athletes and to be the professionals that can separate the health and wellness of each student-athlete from their competitive habits," said Port. "Student-athletes are currently struggling trying to balance the student and the athlete portion of their lives.  Over the last 2-3 years it has been more important than ever that these young adults have someone that can help them navigate through that transition.  My staff, along with every other athletic training staff in the country, have put a priority on recognizing this and making sure that the entire student-athlete is being cared for, not just the athlete.  My staff has completely bought in to this and as we strive to make improvements, the administration of Mr. Jim Hardy (Director of Athletics), Mr. Rusty Hollingsworth (Vice President for Athletics and Student Services), and President Hopkins continues to support our efforts.  My staff and I thank them for recognizing the importance of the health and well-being of our student-athletes."
 
"Above & Beyond" Award for Outstanding Service in Athletic Training:
• Presented annually to an athletic trainer who serves as head or assistant athletic trainer, graduate assistant or intern athletic trainer at a Mid-South Conference (full-member) institution.
• Honoree will be selected by the Mid-South Conference Athletic Trainers
• Presented to an athletic trainer for exceptional care and performance in athletic training or non-athletic training activities occurring in the past year. Nominees may have administered life-saving measures, developed major programs or initiatives at their institution or led service projects that have had a lasting impact on their school, conference or community.