Dedicated onsite athletic trainer helps student-athletes thrive
by Brooke Hall
Feb. 13, 2024
Tim Lappin, an athletic trainer with Columbus Regional Health, has become an increasingly familiar face on campus and an essential part of our growing sports program.
He’s been working with student-athletes since July and moved into a dedicated training space in Room 243 in December. He previously worked in a smaller office, and before that, from an off-campus orthopedics office.
Lappin says it’s been great having a dedicated space where he keeps office hours five days a week. “I’ve seen a lot more students since moving here. They’re already coming to this building for classes, and many live nearby – they just text me when they can pop over.”
At last count, he was helping treat 20 students with active injuries and about a dozen more athletes for maintenance.
But his dedication goes far beyond his office in the Campus Center building. He goes to practices. He’s at every home game, for every sport, where he’s responsible for treating both the Crimson Pride and visiting teams. Plus, when he can, he’ll even travel for tournaments and away games.
“I love it! The IU Columbus students have so much energy, and they take athletics very seriously,” Lappin said. “The students, coaches and administration have been great to work with.”
And the feeling is mutual. Tyler Wright, IU Columbus assistant athletic director, said simply, “We couldn’t do this without him!”
Wright noted that in addition to helping athletes and coaches, Lappin has taught the athletics staff a lot about game-day emergency planning– such as mapping out assignments before each game (who calls 911, gets the defibrillator, etc.) so they’re always ready in case of an emergency medical situation.
“His dedication is amazing. And the students and coaches love him!” Wright added.
As we’re growing our athletics program to include men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, and cheer and dance next year, Wright noted that they’re hoping to add a second trainer from Columbus Regional Health in the near future.
