1000 x 90

Strickland Named Asst. Athletic Trainer at Lees-McRae

Aug. 8, 2012. Jimmy Strickland has been named an assistant athletic trainer at Lees-McRae College, announced Director of Athletics Craig McPhail Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy to our staff!” expressed Director of Athletic Training Rita Smith. “His experience and diverse background will be beneficial to not only the care of our athletes, but also to the students in our Athletic Training Education Program.”

Strickland brings 14 years of experience in the field of athletic training, most recently serving as the athletic training intern for Appalachian State University’s field hockey and wrestling programs for the last two years. While at ASU, Strickland also taught several classes in the health, leisure and exercise science department, supervising students both in the training room and during events.

Prior to Appalachian State, Strickland spent two years as the assistant athletic trainer for track and field at Mississippi State University, providing coverage for the cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field programs. Strickland has held several positions as a head athletic trainer as well, serving as the head athletic trainer at Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills, Ala., as well as the head athletic trainer at Auburn University-Montgomery for four years.

Strickland holds a Master’s of Science in foundations of education from Troy State University, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in exercise science from Auburn University. He is a licensed athletic trainer in the state of North Carolina, is certified with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, and holds a level one coaching certification in track and field with the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

“I’m very excited to be here and work with such an outstanding athletic staff,” said Strickland. “Lees-McRae’s athletic training program is one of the best regarded in the area, and I’m thrilled to be part of that.”