WLU has another great accomplishment as Jerry Duncan has been named WVATA Athletic Trainer of The Year. Duncan is WLU Athletic Healthcare Administer and also Head Athletic Trainer. He has been chosen for this award from the W. Va. Athletic Trainer Association. The West Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association is a non-profit organization, representing and supporting 200+ members dedicated to enhancing the quality of health care and to advance the athletic training profession. The award is to recognize Duncan’s accomplishments with helping WLU throughout the pandemic by developing and establishing protocols and procedures to meet the guidelines established by the NCAA and Mountain East Conference. Himself and his staff have led the way for WLU dealing with the crisis.

Duncan has many accomplishments on his list. This is Duncans ninth season with the Hilltoppers, along with doing his other roles for four years. He is responsible for over 500 students plus staff as his Head Athletic Trainer role. Duncan has also spent six years as an athletic trainer for the Wheeling Nailers, a minor-league hockey affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has also been employed as head athletic trainer for the Ohio Valley Greyhounds of the National Indoor Football League and head athletic trainer for the Bellaire School District. He has been working with colleges since 2011, starting with Wheeling University before moving over to West Liberty in 2013. He started as a Senior Athletic Trainer here at West Liberty before moving into his current position a year later. Duncan played football in New Kensington, Pa. at NCAA Division II Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Mercyhurst and a master’s degree in Athletic Training from West Virginia University.

Duncan mentioned to me that he is extremely grateful for being chosen for this award. “I was shocked and grateful when I was told that I was getting the award,” says Duncan. “I also felt a little confused, because although I worked extremely hard this year, I know every athletic trainer did and wished they could all share it with me.” Duncan will be sharing this award with Fairmont State University’s Bob Cable. Both honorees have received their awards at the WVATA Business Meeting on Sunday, April 18. For any questions regarding this article or additional information, please reach out to Katlyn Roberts at [email protected].