HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES' BIOS
Ian Rogol, M.Ed., LAT, ATC
It is an honor to recognize Ian Rogol as a member of the VATA Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Ian has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of athletic training in the Commonwealth having devoted his entire professional life to serving student-athletes and advancing the mission of the VATA through his work as a dedicated clinician, Regional Representative, Regional Representative to the College/University Committee, Chair of the By-laws committee, and Treasurer of the VATA. Ian was a long-term, active member of the Sports Medicine Advisory Council with the Virginia High School League. Outside of the Commonwealth, Ian served as the District III representative to the NATA Foundation Public Relations committee as well as the Virginia representative to the NATA Foundation. Ian is a rare bird in athletic training who has crossed the lines of clinical practice multiple times. He has worked in the clinical setting, the secondary school setting, and now in the collegiate setting as the Head athletic trainer at the University of Mary Washington where he also serves as a preceptor for students from the education programs at Shenandoah and George Mason Universities. Ian’s commitment to the profession has been recognized at the state level by being named the 2012 recipient of the VATA College & University AT of the year. In 2016, Ian was recognized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association with the NATA AT Service Award.
Please congratulate Ian Rogol on his induction into the VATA Hall of Fame, class of 2018. We welcome him to share his thoughts with the membership at this time. Return to Hall of Fame page
David Pawlowski, MEd, LAT, ATC
David Pawlowski has been an athletic trainer in Virginia since 1986 and an active participant in the VATA since 1993 when he assumed his first role as President Elect. Dave has spent the past three years on the Government Affairs Committee, where countless hours have been spent working with other athletic trainers to advance the profession. He co-founded the VATA annual meeting in 1994 and has been committee chair for all but 2 years from 1994-2016. He led the charge for regulation within the state in regards to certification and licensure, making it possible for athletic trainers to use Epi-pens and administer oxygen.
David has also been a member of the Athletic Training Advisory Board from its inception in 2002 to 2011, including chairman from 2006-2011. He has been involved with the executive committee of the VATA as a Region 2 representative from 1993-1994, President Elect from 1994-1995, and President of the VATA from 1996-1998. As president of the VATA, he was a part of the initial MAATA Presidents' Council and part of the group that pushed for the NATA to collect dues on behalf of the districts and states. In 2001, he worked with the executive committee on the hiring of our first lobbyist. Over the years, Dave has energized and motivated athletic trainers across the state and we can thank Dave for helping shape the profession as we know it within Virginia.
In addition to all his work with the VATA and his contributions at the state government level, Dave has worked as a volunteer with the USOC, various Team USA events, and has been a part of the Special Olympics for 26 years. He currently works with the Special Olympics Virginia as the Vice-President for Programming and as an athletic trainer, including coordinating medical coverage for World and USA games, policy development and fundraising activities.
One nominee said it best: "I cannot identify any other individual who has contributed more to our legislative efforts leading to the high level of regulation of athletic training in the Commonwealth of Virginia than Dave Pawlowski." Return to Hall of Fame page.
Douglas Gregory, MD, FAAP
Dr. Gregory received his undergraduate degree from The University of Richmond. He continued his education with a medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, graduating with honors. Following his graduation, he did a Pediatric Residency at the Navy Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth and a fellowship in Developmental Pediatrics at UNC-Chapel Hill. He has worked at Lakeview Medical Center since 1995 and has served as Medical Director since 2012. He has served as the team physician at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake since 1984.
Dr. Gregory is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He was awarded honorary membership by the NATA in 2006, and in 2009 received the Schaffer’s Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his commitment to the development of primary care sports medicine. He lectures nationally on pediatric sports medicine issues, and has served on committees for the AAP, NATA, MAATA, CAATE, VATA and BOC.
Dr. Gregory has practiced in the state of Virginia for 33 years. For other healthcare providers, he serves as a diplomat, role model and advocate for the athletic training profession. His tireless work ethic, dedication to his patients and colleagues, and leadership have allowed him to make significant and lasting advances in the profession of athletic training. As one of his colleagues stated, “His leadership and guidance has elevated the athletic training profession to unprecedented levels, not only in the Commonwealth of Virginia but nationally."
It is an honor to recognize Ian Rogol as a member of the VATA Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Ian has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of athletic training in the Commonwealth having devoted his entire professional life to serving student-athletes and advancing the mission of the VATA through his work as a dedicated clinician, Regional Representative, Regional Representative to the College/University Committee, Chair of the By-laws committee, and Treasurer of the VATA. Ian was a long-term, active member of the Sports Medicine Advisory Council with the Virginia High School League. Outside of the Commonwealth, Ian served as the District III representative to the NATA Foundation Public Relations committee as well as the Virginia representative to the NATA Foundation. Ian is a rare bird in athletic training who has crossed the lines of clinical practice multiple times. He has worked in the clinical setting, the secondary school setting, and now in the collegiate setting as the Head athletic trainer at the University of Mary Washington where he also serves as a preceptor for students from the education programs at Shenandoah and George Mason Universities. Ian’s commitment to the profession has been recognized at the state level by being named the 2012 recipient of the VATA College & University AT of the year. In 2016, Ian was recognized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association with the NATA AT Service Award.
Brent Arnold
Dr. Arnold received a B.S. in Health and Safety (Athletic Training) from Indiana University - Bloomington, an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia. He has held faculty appointments at West Virginia University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University. He currently serves as a Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Arnold served the VATA in a multitude of capacities from 1996-2011, ranging from the Legislative Committee, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, President-Elect, and President. He is a past recipient of the VATA’s Researcher of the Year Award in 2011. Additional accolades include a 2008 induction into the inaugural class as a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. He currently serves the NATA as Chair of the Fellows committee.
Arnold’s service and impact on the profession goes well beyond the state level. He formerly served as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association Executive Council, is a former member of the Journal of Athletic Training’s editorial board, and currently serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. He has published and presented numerous times at both the national and international levels, and has been a mentor to countless Master’s degree and PhD candidates over the years. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Mitch Callis
As a recommendation letter stated, “As a sports medicine physician when I envision what an ATC should be like, I envision Mitch Callis.” It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mitch Callis into the Hall of Fame.
Currently in his 29th year of athletic training service and practice in the state of Virginia, Mitch has worked tirelessly at both the community and state levels to advance the profession. Mitch served as the Head Athletic Trainer and as an Assistant Athletic Director at Norfolk State University for 26 years. He was instrumental in developing NSU’s sports medicine program along with serving as a mentor to numerous students from both Norfolk State and Old Dominion University.
During his tenure at Norfolk State, Mitch soon realized that many of the CIAA conference schools were understaffed or did not have any athletic training services. As a result, he arranged for ATC coverage for all CIAA championship events in all sports. In his continued commitment to CIAA institutions, Mitch was instrumental in the formation of the CIAA Athletic Trainers’ Association that has strengthened the input by the conference’s athletic trainers.
Mitch is currently employed by the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters as the manager of Athletic Training services and community outreach liaison and oversees more than a dozen ATCs in the greater Norfolk area providing services to athletic events. He also co-authored the Chesapeake Public Schools Sports Concussion Policy.
His commitment to the VATA includes serving as the Region 4 representative and he also has an appointment to the Governor’s Advisory Board on Athletic Training. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Nancy Burke
We are pleased to welcome Nancy Burke into the VATA Hall of Fame. Following graduation from James Madison University in 1973, Ms. Burke began her career as an athletic trainer in the secondary school setting. After a brief hiatus to earn a Master of Science Degree from Eastern Kentucky University, she resumed her career in the secondary schools and would remain in that setting over the next 30 years. During that tenure in northern Virginia, she was instrumental in School Board regulation to place an ATC in every high school in Fairfax County.
In time, Ms. Burke's expertise in sports medicine expanded to the national and international stage. She served as the Head Athletic Trainer for World Cup Sabre Fencing in 1992 and 1994, the Site Medical Director for Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, and the Head Athletic Trainer for the World Figure Skating Championships in 2003. Along with her clinical service, Nancy served as Chair for the US Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee and the US Womens Lacrosse Association Safety Committee, work which led to the mandate of protective eyewear, and the safety impact standard for goalkeepers helmets and mens helmets.
Following retirement from the secondary school setting in 2005, Ms. Burke took her skill set to the Fairfax Co. Police Department where she is now recognized as a pioneer in the emerging practice setting. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Public Safety Athletic Training Society, and also serves on district and national committees including the Council on Revenue, and Clinical and Emerging Practices committees.
Ms. Burke has received numerous accolades and awards for her work in the AT profession. She has been acknowledged as the first female member of District III, received the Outstanding Service Award from VA HS League, and in 2004 was honored by the NATA as a Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer. The Sports Medicine facility at South Lakes High School has been named in her honor. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Tom Jones
Tom Jones leadership abilities and dedication to the profession of athletic training have set him apart over the years. Mr. Jones graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1960 with a bachelors degree in biology. He then continued his education at the Medical College of Virginia in 1966 with a degree in physical therapy. In 1968 he received a masters degree in sports medicine from the University of Virginia.
His dedication to student-athletes has been evident over his many years of service. From 1966 to 1970, Mr. Jones served as the athletic trainer at Wilson Memorial High School, graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Virginia, and an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Georgia. In 1970, he made the move to Lexington, Virginia and found his home. He served as the head athletic trainer and associate professor of physical education at Washington and Lee University from 1970 until his retirement in 2002.
Mr. Jones has been the model of professionalism during his athletic training career. He has served a variety of roles within the VATA, including chair of the education committee, secretary, vice president, and president. He was also the chair for the NATA Scholarship Committee for a number of years. His greatest achievement in his own words has been starting the VATA scholarship program. He has been a speaker at the local, district and national level for a variety of professional conferences as well as within the community. In 1982, he was the recipient of the Award of Merit by the American Red Cross for selfless and humane action and over the years has volunteered in a variety of ways within his community. He was the recipient of the NATA 25 year award and in 1996 received the NATA Service Award.
Mr. Jones dedication to the VATA and athletic training has been exemplary and long lasting. Over his 36 years in the athletic training profession, he has been a model professionally and a mentor to many. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Pat Aronson
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Pat Aronson into the VATA Hall of Fame. Dr Aronson is currently a Professor and the Clinical Coordinator in the Athletic Training Education Program at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA. She previously served there as the Head Athletic Trainer for 11 years and has also served as an adjunct professor at UVA. She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer and VATA member for over 30 years. Pat currently serves as the District III Secretary. In the past she has held positions nationally, regionally, and locally including VATA President. She has also been quite active on the Women in Athletic Training Committee and once oversaw a project on the compilation of the historical role of women in District III.
Dr. Aronson played on the Womens Basketball team and completed her undergraduate work at Canisius College in New York. The following year she earned a master’s degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia. She later completed a Physical Therapy Assistant Program and then earned her PhD in Athletic Training from UVA. Pats research interest has been knee stability; specifically with the MCL and ligament stiffness.
One of her students had the following to say about Dr. Aronson, she is thoughtful, assertive, and organized. She has shaped me personally and professionally in more ways than I am able to describe. One of her co-workers said, Pat has cared for generations of athletes, giving each the attention needed to recover from injury and has educated generations of students, making each student feel special.
Dr. Aronson has nominated countless colleagues for NATA awards and honors. She herself has twice been recognized by the National Athletic Training Association - in 1998 with the NATA Athletic Training Service Award and then in 2004 with the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Herb Amato
Thoughtful researcher, dedicated educator, compassionate mentor, tireless servant. These were some of the words used by an esteemed colleague to describe one of our Hall of Fame recipients. And I think we can all agree that Dr. Herb Amato is deserving of each of these descriptions. Many of us in this room would not be where we are right now without Herbs guiding hand and encouraging words.
Dr. Herb Amato is currently the Associate Dean of University Studies at James Madison University. Before taking this position in 2006, Dr. Amato served as the Program Director at JMU for 18 years. Dr. Amato has been a tireless advocate for hundreds to athletic training students throughout the years. His sincere desire to assist student for professional success allowed him to build an athletic training program at JMU with a national reputation and establish a strong foundation for graduate to find employment in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
His desire to have students succeed contributed toward cofounding ACES, an educational consulting and certification exam preparation program. Through this program, countless students throughout the nation have been helped to reach their goal of becoming an athletic trainer. He has served on countless committees from the national level down to the state level. From 1990 to 1994, Dr. Amato served on VATAs executive council and most recently he served as a member of CAATEs Executive Director Search Committee. He has had numerous publications and presentations, from national, regional and state conferences to peer-reviewed journals and classroom textbooks.
Dr. Amatos talents have not gone unrecognized. In 2003, he was awarded to NATA Sayers Bud Miller Distinguished Educator Award. In 2008, James Madison University recognized him with the All Together One Award and in 2010 he was given the 1st Year, 2nd Mile Award. This award is given to a member of the JMU community who has made an extraordinary contribution to the success of student orientation.
His serving heart is also self-evident in the way he contributes to his community. Dr. Amato continues to serve as a volunteer athletic trainer and also volunteers at his church and serves on the Health Advisory Board for Harrisonburg City Public Schools. Throughout all of these engagements and responsibilities, it is undeniable that his first priority is his family. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Ethan Saliba, PhD, PT, LAT, ATC
Dr. Saliba became the head athletic trainer in 1998 and has served as the assistant athletics director for sports medicine since 2003. In addition to the daily tasks of being the head athletic trainer, Dr. Saliba serves as the primary athletic trainer for the men’s basketball team. He also has faculty appointments as a professor in Virginia’s Curry School of Education and as an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Saliba attended Southeast Missouri State University for three years on a football scholarship before completing his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Kansas in 1979. The following year, he worked at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, as a physical therapist. Dr. Saliba earned his master’s degree in sports medicine/athletic training from UVA in 1986 and received a doctorate in sports medicine from UVA in 1992. After working four years as a staff physical therapist at the University Health Center of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he came to UVA to start his tenure with the Wahoos.
Reflective of his appointments as both a professor and assistant professor, Dr. Saliba has served as a mentor and educator to countless students throughout the years. Through his dedication to education, he has taught numerous classes at UVA over the years and has presented at a variety of state, regional and national meetings and conventions. In addition, he has published several textbooks which are widely used throughout our field.
Throughout the years, Dr Saliba has used his expertise and knowledge, along with selfless volunteering of his time, to impact the positive outcome of many student-athlete’s injuries. By not knowing the word “no,” he has unselfishly made a positive influence on his peers, colleagues, administrators, students, and student-athletes. In 2007, the NATA recognized his contributions and loyalty to our profession by recognizing him as the Division I College Certified Athletic Trainer of the Year. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Joe Gieck, EdD, VATL, ATC, PT
Throughout his tenure as an athletic trainer, Joe Gieck has been known as a mentor and friend to student athletes, athletic training students, and fellow colleagues and professionals. He is well respected for his achievements but also for the quality individual he is to our society. Even in retirement, he continues to make a difference through his philanthropy and his devotion of time to the community and profession.
Joe Gieck graduated with a degree in physical therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1961 and received his masters and doctorate from the University of Virginia in physical education and counselor education in 1965 and 1975, respectively.
Starting in 1962, he began his 43 year tenure as Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine at UVA. He was also curriculum director of the master’s program in Athletic Training for 11 years. He was a Professor in the Curry School of Education and Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery until his retirement in 2005.
Joe Gieck has already been recognized for his achievements and commitment to athletic training in multiple ways over the years. He received the College Athletic Trainer of the year award in 1979 and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Distinguished Educator of the Year Award in 1986. In 1987, Joe Gieck received the Virginia High School Coaches Association’s Dr. Frank McCue III Sports Medicine Award. He was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1993, he received the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Distinguished Service Award in Athletic Training.
In 1999, the University of Virginia established the endowed Joe Gieck Professorship in Sports Medicine in recognition of his years of service to the University of Virginia.
He has served on the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Health Professions, and as a member of the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sport for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was also instrumental in helping organize the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association.
Throughout his retirement, Joe has stayed busy with philanthropic efforts, acting as a consultant for the NCAA on substance abuse, and volunteering at a local physical therapy clinic. However, he always leaves time for his farm and his family, enjoying life to the fullest. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Dr. Vito Perriello
Integrity, commitment, dedication, and service are just a few words to describe the late Dr. Vito Perriello. A man that was dedicated to his family and his second family of patients, Dr. Perriello has touched the lives of many. Dr. Perriello began his path to medicine at the University of Virginia. He then went on to Duke Medical School. After serving in the United States Army, in 1971 Dr. Perriello moved to Charlottesville and was a one of the founding partners of Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville.
Dr. Perriello was known for his dedication to his patients, always striving to provide the best care for everyone. As a pediatrician, he developed two areas of expertise—attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as sports medicine. Dr. Perriello was the author of coaching manuals on concussions and weight-loss in wrestling. He helped set the standard of care for a variety of athletic injuries and has been widely published, with many speaking engagements around the country.
Dr. Perriello’s influence afforded him many leadership opportunities. He was the Chair of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Physician Director of the Board of Certification for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Chair of Medical Advisory Committee for the Virginia High School League, and was involved in many others as well.
For his efforts with pediatrics and sports medicine, Dr. Perriello was awarded the Dr. Frank McCue III Sports Medicine Award and was also admitted into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. Recently, NATA’s Board of Certification dedicated their new national headquarter’s conference room to Dr. Perriello. Throughout all of these commitments and honors, Dr. Perriello also stayed involved in the community through volunteer work at the free clinic and acting as a team doctor in a variety of venues.
Dr. Perriello’s s knowledge, commitment, and integrity have helped bring the level of care for athletes in the state of Virginia to its present level. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and service towards which we should all aspire. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Dr. Frank McCue, III
If there is one way to describe Dr. Frank McCue’s over 40 years of service to sports medicine, it would be a labor of love. An internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine pioneer, Dr. McCue has gone above and beyond to evaluate and treat thousands of individuals, from high school, college and professional athletes to the general population. Not only has he treated thousands of individuals from all over the state and beyond, but many of them will tell you they were seen at no charge. Dubbed the “miracle man,” Dr. Frank McCue has developed a long list of individuals who can’t say enough about his generosity, caring heart, and his willingness to go above and beyond.
Dr. McCue received his undergraduate degree from UVA in 1952. McCue then stayed on in Charlottesville for medical school and his residency. During his last year of medical school, Dr. McCue agreed to help Lou Onesty, UVA’s only athletic trainer, in the clinic. This is where his interest in sports medicine began to take shape. Following a two-year hand surgery fellowship in California, Dr. McCue returned to the University of Virginia in 1961 and has been a fixture ever since. During his career at UVA, Dr. McCue has been a professor of orthopedic surgery and the director of UVA’s Division of Sports Medicine and Hand Surgery.
In recognition of seeing so many high school athletes for free, the Virginia High School Coaches Association named its annual sports-medicine award after him. Dr. McCue was the first individual to receive this award at its inception in 1984. In addition, each year the VHSCA recognizes a group of high school students who desire to enter the field of sports medicine by awarding them the Dr. Frank McCue III Scholarship.
A plethora of physicians have benefited from working under Dr. McCue. Among them is Dr. James Andrews, a well-renowned orthopedic surgeon, who was one of McCue’s students while a medical resident at UVA in the ‘70s. In 1988, a group of former residents and fellows, along with professors, physicians and athletic trainers, formed the McCue Society. With a membership numbering in the thousands, the society provides scholarships and meets annually to share the latest advances in sports medicine.
In 1991, the McCue Center, UVA’s primary athletics support facility, was dedicated and named in his honor. It certainly speaks of the level of respect he has garnered that he was able to work in a building bearing his name for over a decade. Although Dr. McCue retired in the spring of 2003, he is still a familiar face on the UVA sidelines and at the McCue Center. Upon his retirement, Dr. McCue was also named Professor Emeritus of Orthopedics at the University of Virginia’s hospital. He became the first inductee to the Order of the Crossed Sabres, Virginia Football Alumni Club’s highest honor.
Dr. McCue has been described as doing everything from the heart. His contributions to the field of sports medicine have allowed many athletic trainers to more fully enjoy the careers we have today. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Jim Buriak, MS, VATL, ATC
As the president of Roanoke College puts it, “If Jim Buriak did not exist, we would have to invent him.” Jim Buriak is the Chair of the Health and Human Performance Department and Athletic Training Program Director for Roanoke College. He began his tenure at Roanoke College in 1981 and was the College’s first athletic trainer. Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation with a Specialization in Athletic Training from Lock Haven State College in Pennsylvania in 1978. He completed a master’s of science degree in health education at the University of Illinois in 1980. Following his master’s, Jim worked one year as the head athletic trainer as Lycoming College. Since then, he has faithfully and tirelessly committed himself to Roanoke College and single-handedly developed and implemented the Athletic Training Education Program.
His accolades include presenting at multiple conventions and conferences as well as having several publications. He is a past public relations chair, vice-president, and president of the VATA and currently serves on the VATA’s legislative committee. He is revered by many of his former students and has been the leadership and guidance behind the success of many of his student both during their time at Roanoke College and once they leave. He is constantly learning new athletic training techniques and skills and his judgment is respected by local orthopedic surgeons.
In addition to his impact on Roanoke College, Jim’s selfless service to the community has not gone unnoticed. He has volunteered of his time and skills throughout the region, including the Special Olympics, Local Schools, the Roanoke Civic Center, the local fire department and the American Red Cross. For his contributions to the community, Jim was the recipient of the NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award in 1997. In 1994, he received in the Roanoke College Exemplary Service Award and in 1992 he was inducted into the Roanoke College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jim embodies the very best of professionalism, competence and service and is a true example of what we should all strive to pursue within our own communities and places of employment. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Jon Almquist, VATL, ATC
Jon Almquist is dedicated, ambitious, and has a strong passion for athletic training. In 1983, Jon began his career in athletic training when he was hired as the first certified athletic trainer at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, VA. Jon has been a certified athletic trainer and member of the VATA for 27 years. He is currently the Athletic Training Program Administrator for Fairfax County Public Schools.
Jon has held many committee positions throughout his career. He joined the Northern Virginia Sports Medicine Association where he served as President from 1987-1991 and remains a scholarship committee member. Jon has held several positions within the VATA including Region I representative, member of the legislative committee, and he currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board on Athletic Training.
Jon’s efforts at promoting the profession have extended to the Virginia High School League (VHSL) where he is a long-standing member of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He has played an integral role in establishing the VHSL’s Wrestling Weight Control Program. Jon travels around the state to help in the training of a variety of medical professionals to serve as Certified Measurers. Not only has Jon participated in promoting the profession of athletic training in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but he has also served as a member of the NATA’s Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee for 14 years. Jon has developed several tools designed to promote athletic training in the secondary school setting. He also served as the Chair for the committee that developed the Appropriate Medical Care for Secondary School-Age Athletes.
His work with the Fairfax County Public Schools Athletic Training Program has gained national attention for the scope of care provided to the many student athletes every school year. Jon oversees 50 certified athletic trainers working at each of the school system’s 25 high schools. Jon has helped in the development of the FCPS ATP Injury Treatment and Tracking System.
Jon is a true leader in our profession, an individual with a clear understanding of the certified athletic trainer’s capabilities, and a vision for the future of our profession. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Steve Cole, MS, VATL, ATC
Dedication, enthusiasm, passion, and undying energy are just a few words to describe Steve Cole. Steve began his career in athletic training at West Virginia University where he received a degree in physical education and athletic training in 1976. He then went on to receive a master’s degree in sports medicine from the University of Virginia in 1978. Steve has been a certified athletic trainer for over 27 years and has been a VATA member for 38 years.
Throughout his career, Steve has helped to shape and influence many of the positive changes in our profession. During his presidency of the VATA, Steve helped to establish the executive board and committee chairs. By creating the legislative committee, Steve was instrumental in gaining licensure for athletic trainers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Steve lives by the philosophy that “there are always teachable moments; you just have to capitalize on them.” He has been involved in many teaching opportunities including teaching high school students during workshops, incorporating William and Mary as a rotation site for the Riverside Family Practice Residency Program, and teaching athletic training students. Alongside Herb Amato, Steve helped to develop the ACES workshop to help athletic training students study and prepare to take the BOC exam.
Not only is Steve helpful to his athletes and students, but he also strives to help the community. Steve assists Busch Gardens with prescreening of all the dancers and musicians along with holding in-services for the stage managers in injury prevention. He has also lectured at symposiums for the American Family Practice of Physicians. Steve is involved in his church as a youth mentor and usher; and leads a group of recreational runners and swimmers in their training.
Steve has had countless awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1997, Steve earned his 25 year pin from the NATA and received the Athletic Trainer Service Award for the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2000, the College of William and Mary recognized Steve as an honorary alumnus for his services to the college. In 2006, Steve was acknowledged as the NATA College/University National Athletic Trainer of the year. Return to Hall of Fame page.
Michael W. Goforth, MS, ATC
Mike joined the staff at Virginia Tech in 1998 and is an associate athletics director for sports medicine where he oversees the healthcare needs of all student-athletes and organizes all athletic trainers and team physicians while supervising all other healthcare-related services that Virginia Tech Athletics offers. Prior to Virginia Tech, Goforth came from the Hamilton Medical Center/Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, Ga., where he was the director of wellness and sports medicine. He has an extensive background in sports medicine, having graduated from East Tennessee State University and working at William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Va., Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn., Greene County Sports Medicine/Industrial Cooperative and Pioneer Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy Clinic. He also has consulted on program development throughout the country. In addition to his role as Head Athletic Trainer he also is an adjunct professor in the Health, Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech and with the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Goforth has also been involved in the extensive helmet and concussion research programs at Virginia Tech since 2001.
Mike graduated from East Tennessee State University, 1991 (B.A. in physical education); Virginia Tech, 1995 (master's in sport management).
Goforth and his wife, Tracy, a teacher at Blacksburg Middle School, have two sons, Ethan and Luke.
Sharon Menegoni
Ms Menegoni received a B.Ed. in Physical Education from Keene State College, an M.S. in Athletic Training from Indiana State University and was a doctoral student in Biomechanics at Temple University. She has held faculty appointments at Colby-Sawyer College, Western Illinois University, and Longwood University. She is currently retired and living in Bridgton, Maine.
Sharon Menegoni practiced as an athletic trainer in Virginia at Longwood University from 1996 to 2016 and was an active participant in the VATA throughout that time. She was responsible for the design and development of the Athletic Training Program at Longwood, secretary and also produced the VATA Newsletter during that time. In 2002, she organized and chaired the first student research section at the VATA meeting and continued in this role until 2010. In 2005, she was awarded a grant from the VATA to develop the first VATA Young Professionals Symposium for undergraduate students in the Commonwealth held at Longwood University. Over the course of her time here, she also contributed at the national level as well as a certification examiner, site visitor, and also held memberships on national committees for the NATA.
In addition to her work with the VATA, NATA, and the CAATE Sharon has worked as a volunteer with the Richmond Marathon, Special Olympics, and McDonalds X-country Festival at Maymont.