Dr. Ray Castle Receives Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award

04/18/2017

castleDr. Ray Castle, director of the LSU Athletic Training Program
and associate professor of professional practice. 

Dr. Ray Castle, director of the Athletic Training program in the School of Kinesiology (SOK) and professor of professional practice, was named a Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer (MDAT) by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

He will receive his award at the 2017 NATA Clinical Symposia & Athletic Training Expo June 26-29 in Houston, Texas.

“Dr. Ray Castle combines his extensive clinical and educational background for the benefit of our students on a daily basis,” said CHSE Dean Damon Andrew. “I am pleased to see such remarkable recognition given to a most deserving faculty member.”

Dr. Castle arrived at LSU in 2002 and has been a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer since 1991. He is also a Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) credentialed athletic trainer (LAT) since 1994, and an American Red Cross Instructor since 2005.

With an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service, Dr. Castle led LSU's efforts in obtaining its first ever Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) accredited athletic training program in April 2004 and most recently led the school through its Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) re-accreditation in 2009.

Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the clinic (Baton Rouge Physical Therapy; Lake Charles Memorial Sports Medicine), high school (Catholic High School in Baton Rouge), college (University of Southern Mississippi; University of Louisiana-Lafayette), and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels. Dr. Castle has been a highly active member of the athletic training profession, having made over 50 presentations at the local, state, national and international levels, numerous publications, as well as serving on various organization committees at state, district, and national levels.

The award recognizes NATA members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to leadership, volunteer service, advocacy and distinguished professional activities as an athletic trainer. Other eligibility requirements include good standing as a NATA member, 20 years of membership and 20 years of certification by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer.

His other awards include:

  • SEATA Hall of Fame (2014)
  • SEATA Chuck Kimmel Award (2011)
  • SEATA Education/Administration Award (2009)
  • NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award (2007)
  • SEATA District Award (2005)
  • LATA Charlie Martin Ten-Year Service Award (2003)
  • Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF) College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year Award (2001)

About SOK
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.   

Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/chse/kinesiology

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library & Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree programs, enrolling more than 2,020 undergraduate and 879 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at lsu.edu/chse

 

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