by Hannah Gruber ’10

Bethel University Student Athletic Training Society members Michaela Otto, Chelsea Falck, Jen Weimer, and Phil Watson helped hand out boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Athletic trainers were recognized throughout March, National Athletic Training Month, but the Bethel University Student Athletic Training Society (BUSATS) creates athletic training awareness year round.

While this is the club’s primary goal, the students involved also have a desire to serve others. In addition to the 800 hours of work required outside of class for those in the Athletic Training Education Program, the 32 BUSATS members meet every other Tuesday hoping to further Bethel’s athletic training education for the student body. The students brainstorm ways to educate and serve and also organize events that integrate the student body, like participating in Bethel’s annual Health Fair, by offering free six-minute massages to students.

To further their education, BUSATS has brought in professionals from the Minnesota Vikings and the University of Minnesota to speak to students about their field. In the past, they have invited doctors to speak about specific therapy shots, stitches, and physical therapy

In addition to the educational benefits BUSATS provides, students also reap the rewards of utilizing their interests in a ministry setting. “BUSATS number one goal is to educate, but there are so many facets to that. We want to be salt and light through service,” faculty advisor Jamie Dolieslager said.

In December 2008, BUSATS sponsored a Guatemalan family of 10, the children’s ages ranging from two to 18 years old. The students learned of the family through Associate Professor and Certified Athletic Trainer Janet Johnson. The students divided the family amongst its members and bought Christmas presents for each of the family members. They also provided other needs for the family including blankets and mittens.

“Many of the kids were into art, so we bought them supplies like paintbrushes and paint,” BUSATS Secretary Jennifer Weimer said.

BUSATS has also been involved with numerous other service and volunteer opportunities, including Twin Cities Outreach and Operation Christmas Child. They are currently preparing to help with the GET in GEAR races in Minneapolis on April 25.

“We are probably one of the most active groups on campus for something that is not mandatory,” Dolieslager said. “It’s tremendous for the amount of students in it and how active they are.”