EATA 2014 Student Program
Friday, January 10, 2014
Conference Registration
3:00pm-8:00pm
Student Taping Contest
6:00pm-7:30pm
Student Quiz Bowl
District 2
District 1
8:00pm-9:00pm
9:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Conference Registration, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Research Posters, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Authors present from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
7:30AM – 8:00AM
Continental Breakfast
8:00AM
Welcome Address
Mary Mundrane-Zweiacher, ATC, PT, CHT Chairperson EATA
Student Delegation
Ariel Zaleski, Student Program Chair
8:15AM
8:15AM - 9:05AM
“The Standard is the Standard: An Athletic Trainer’s
Perspective in the NFL”
Sonia Gysland, MA, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Pittsburgh Steelers
The presentation will cover Ms. Gysland’s journey to her current
position in the NFL, insight into what it’s like as an athletic trainer
in the NFL, as well as key aspects that have allowed her to be
successful throughout her athletic training career.
9:10AM – 10:00AM
“Tales from the Octagon”
Dr. John Neidecker, DO, ATC
This presentation is to provide information on medical coverage and
care for mixed martial arts events.
10:05AM - 10:55AM
“So You Want A Job”- Tips to Writing Resume’s and
Interviewing for Your First Job!!
Joe Scott, MS, LAT, ATC
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11:00AM – 11:50AM
“Stories from the Sidelines”
Robert Huggins, MS, ATC
Greg Janik, MS, ATC, LAT
Joe Iezzi, MS, ATC, LAT, PES
This presentation is an open forum for students to ask our panel of
ATC’s about their experiences in the field.
12:00PM – 1:00PM
James L. Thornton Keynote Address
Diane Sartanowicz, MS, ATC, LAT
1:00PM – 3:00PM
STUDENTS TO VISIT THE EXHIBIT HALL
4:00PM – 5:00PM
State Meetings
5:30PM – 6:30PM
EATA Reception
6:30PM – 8:45PM
EATA Banquet
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Performance Labs (run concurrently)
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Plyometrics/Conditioning
Tony Decker, CSCS, ATC
In this discussion Decker will touch on the various uses and levels
of plyometrics as applied to training, as well as, how to
incorporate utilizing plyometrics as progression in the rehab
protocol. He will also discuss conditioning concepts for various
sports by taking an in depth look at specific energy system
application and metabolic conditioning principles.
9:30AM – 10:30AM
10:30AM – 11:00AM
“Sports Massage Created for ATS’s”
Kate Decker, CSCS, ART Provider, FST Provider-Level IIIMedical, NCTMB, MMP
In this hands-on clinic you will learn a variety of sports massage
techniques that you can immediately implement for pre and post
event and injury recovery. An overview of the importance of
postural assessments and aspects of fascial challenges will also be
presented. You will walk away from the clinic with knowledge to
help you throughout your career.
Closing Remarks/Raffle/T-shirt Swap
EATA 2014 Student Program
Sonia Gysland MA, ATC, PES
Sonia Gysland is in her third season as an assistant athletic trainer for the Steelers. Prior to
joining the Steelers, Ms. Gysland was with the Duke Blue Devils, serving as an assistant athletic
trainer for the football team. She completed a graduate assistantship at the University of North
Carolina, working with football and both men’s and women’s tennis and also held internships
with the Ohio State University athletic teams during the 2009 season and the Pittsburgh Steelers
during their 2008 training camp. Ms. Gysland graduated from the University of Wisconsin in
2007 with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and earned a master’s degree in athletic
training from North Carolina in 2009.
Dr. John Neidecker, DO, ATC
Dr. Neidecker received his undergraduate degree from High Point University in athletic training.
After college he served as the head athletic trainer at South Side High School in Rockville
Centre, Long Island. He then earned his medical degree and completed his residency in Family
Medicine at the now Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. There,
he served as the Chief Resident on staff. After residency, Dr. Neidecker went to the Cleveland
Clinic and completed his fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Neidecker is currently employed by the orthopaedic department at Cooper University
Hospital and is regularly involved in the education of medical students and residents. He is the
head team physician for Rutgers-Camden athletics and is part of the medical staff for the
Philadelphia Wings, (professional indoor lacrosse). Dr. Neidecker is board certified in both
family practice and sports medicine. He is also a certified sports-concussion specialist.
In his off time, Dr. Neidecker volunteers as an assistant high school wrestling coach and has a
special interest in combat sports. Since his residency, he has provided medical coverage for
boxing and MMA events in the states of New Jersey and Ohio. He was recently appointed to
excutive board of the Association of Ringside Physicians. He is also the committee chair for the
development of a certification exam with the American College of Sports Medicine to certify
physicians in ringside medicine.
Joe Scott MS, LAT, ATC
As Clinical Team Leader for Outpatient Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Outreach Coordinator for
Sport Performance & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Team (SPORT) at Southcoast Hospitals Group,
New Bedford, MA. Mr. Scott is primarily responsible for day to day operations and
administration of the Outpatient Rehabilitation clinic and a staff. Mr. Scott has been a licensed
and certified athletic therapist for 20 years. He has worked as a Secondary School ATC for 15
years and continues to provide per diem coverage and over site of 10 contracted secondary
school sites serviced by the SPORT program.
He specializes in rehabilitation of the athletic population, but also works with all patient groups
for Post- rehabilitation and Performance enhancement programming. Mr. Scott is the District 1treasurer to the NATA. A past member of the Clinical-Industrial and Corporate committee of the
NATA for 7 years (20001-2007). He is the past chair of the ATOM reimbursement efforts to
promote Athletic trainers as the preferred provider of medical wellness and fitness models for
reimbursable entities in the state of Massachusetts. He is a member of the hospitals Corporate
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Culture Committee and works to develop and promote the organizations cultural elements. He
has also presented within the hospital organization on the Annual review process with emphasis
on peer review feedback and 360 degree review processes. He can be reached at:
scottj@southcoast.org
Robert Huggins, MS, ATC
Robert Huggins currently is a 4th year PhD student at the University of Connecticut where he
serves as the Director of Elite Athlete Health and Performance at the Korey Stringer Institute. He
is an alumni of both the University of Connecticut and the University of Virginia. Rob has
developed two Athletic Training positions for club sports at Sacred Heart and UConn where he
has worked clinically for the past 5 years. During that time Mr. Huggins has had numerous
sideline situations and experiences that he hopes to share with us today.
Greg Janik, MS, LAT, ATC
Gregory K. Janik, MS, LAT, ATC is a Clinical Professor in the Athletic Training Education
Program and the Head Athletic Trainer at King’s College. He is the Past President of the
Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS). Mr. Janik graduated with a Bachelor’s of
Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Kinesiology / Athletic Training and
received his Master of Science degree in Sports Health Care from AT Still University.
Mr. Janik serves as the moderator for the National Athletic Trainers’ Associations (NATA),
Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) and PATS Student Quiz Bowls. He currently sits
on the AT Still University Alumni Association Board of Directors and was also recently
appointed to the Pennsylvania Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania
Department of Health. In 2011 Mr. Janik was awarded the NATA Young Professionals
Committee National Distinction Award and in 2013 the NATA College / University Athletic
Trainers’ Committee named him Head Athletic Trainer of the Year for Division III.
Joe Iezzi, MS, ATC, LAT, PES
Joe Iezzi has been a certified athletic trainer for thirty eight years. He earned his undergraduate
degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and his Master’s degree from California
University of Pennsylvania. He has worked in almost every setting of the profession. Mr. Iezzi
was the head athletic trainer at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 1975-1985, Philadelphia
University 1985-1988, and Downingtown High School 1988-2013-Retired.Is currently employed
by the NFL as an ATC Spotter for concussions. He also worked at Paoli Orthopedic and
Rehabilitation center 1988-1993. He has been fortunate to be involved in 5 NCCA Final Fours
and 21 PIAA State Championships. He worked two weeks at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Joe Iezzi has been involved in many leadership roles within the profession. He served on the
Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) Board of Directors for eight years, including
President from 1992-1994, and legislative chair from 1996-1998. Mr. Iezzi was also on the
District II Executive Board from 1992-1994 and 1999-2005. He was on the Eastern Athletic
Trainers’ Association ( EATA) Board of Directors from 1999-2005. He became District II –
Director of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) from 1999-2005, also serving as
Vice President of NATA 2002-2003. During his six years on the NATA Board of Directors he
served in many positions.
EATA 2014 Student Program
Mr. Iezzi has been the recipient of numerous honors, accolades and awards, however Joe’s most
rewarding times have been helping the athletic training students from West Chester University
for the past 38 years as a mentor and helping mold them into certified athletic trainers and
working with them on a daily basis.
Diane Sartanowicz, MS, ATC, LAT
Diane Sartanowicz, MS, ATC, LAT has been in the Athletic Training profession since 1991.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Rhode Island in 1990 and then went
on to complete a Master’s Degree from Indiana State University. She has worked in the
collegiate, high school, junior high school and clinic settings, but her true passion is in teaching
where Diane has been both a Health/Physical Education Instructor and Athletic Trainer for
various high schools in New England. For the past 12 years, she has been working at The
Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts; a private boys boarding school as a Lower
School Physical Education teacher as well as the school’s Athletic Trainer.
Ms. Sartanowicz has been involved in the profession at both the state and district levels. She
was President of ATOM (Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts) from 2006-2008 and is now
serving as Past-President of EATA. She volunteers her time on the medical staff of the Boston
Marathon as well as for the Bay State Summer Games. She previously served as the Medical
Coordinator for 10 years for the Bay State Games. This hard work and dedication has not gone
unnoticed as Diane was inducted into the Bay State Games Hall of Fame in 2006 and was the
recipient of the NATA Athletic Training Service Award in 2007.
Tony Decker, CSCS, ATC
Tony Decker has been in the strength and conditioning and sports medicine profession for over
25 years. He has previously served as Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of
Virginia, University of Delaware and Temple University. While at Delaware, Decker also served
as Asst. Athletic Trainer with Men’s Basketball and Faculty in the Exercise Science Department.
Tony is a 2x Conference Strength Coach of the Year, 1x Regional and 1x National Strength
Coach of the Year. He and his wife Kate, also a presenter are Co-owners of ADAPT, Athletic
Development and Performance Training where they train athletes of all levels and skills in
addition to running numerous camps, clinics and consultations.
Kate Decker, CSCS, USAW Club Coach, USA Track and Field Coach, ART Provider, FST
Provider-Level III-Medical, NCTMB, MMP
Kate Decker is the Co-Owner (along with her husband Tony Decker, ATC and 4 time Strength
Coach of the Year) of Athletic Development and Performance Training (adapt2win.com), where
they combine a strong background in Speed, Strength, Conditioning with Sports Medicine to
help athletes reach their goals while keeping them healthy. By offering Advanced Muscle
Therapy and Sports Movement Correction athletes are also able to reach a higher level of
performance.
She believes more education is necessary to help athletes perform better while helping to reduce
injuries which is why they have developed ADAPT Academy where clinics are offered to
parents, athletes, coaches and sports medicine professionals.
EATA 2014 Student Program
Mrs. Decker is excited to be contracted with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 9th straight season as
a Sports and Medical Muscle Therapist where she has worked with many amazing ATC’s and
Strength Coaches to better help the players and assist them with recovery from injuries and
games. She also had the privilege of holding the position of Assistant Strength Coach for Temple
University for 4 years where they surpassed expectations and achieved numerous goals. In
addition, Mrs. Decker had the great opportunity to be Assistant Director of Combine Training
and Director of Massage Therapy at Velocity Sports Performance for 4 years where she worked
with PT’s, ATC’s, and Strength Coaches.
Mrs. Decker has consulted and trained numerous college and high school teams, athletes,
coaches and Sports Medicine Staffs, and has had the great opportunity to work with Olympic
Medalists, Hall of Famers, Pro-Bowlers, MVP’s and athletes of all levels and ages of many
sports from a training, muscle therapy and sports movement correction aspect.
Mrs. Decker has studied with top Speed, Strength and Conditioning and Football Coaches and
Doctors of 6 NFL Teams, and continues to study around the country and holds 16 certifications
and a degree in Psychology.