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Show Sporfstaculcir Thursday, October 25, 979 Page 5 1 Rflmfi b posiitinvQ .says '(D&fts MbdlonnofuiF Athletes, Abdenour, said new Weber State trainer, Jom cheerleader sometimes, especially on roadtrips. By that I mean youve always got to be positive, he said. Abdenour couldnt be happier about his move from the Detroit, Michigan area to Utah. He feels that the way people have treated him is a big reason for his are in general very motivated people. youve got an athlete that is hurt there is a high level of motivation to get healthy again. In many cases an athlete will go out of his way to make sure he is getting the proper treatments. Thats what makes this job so enjoyable. Youre working with people that are highly motivated and that motivates you. You want to help them help themselves. With the kind of attitude that usually radiates a big smile across his face, Tom Abdenour goes about his day brightening the path of Weber State Athletic officials and the athletes themselves. Said one athlete about Abdenour, There isnt a day that goes by that Tom is unhappy about what hes doing. Its kinda like he makes an injury all worth the When contentness. Gary (Crompton) and Rich (Ordyna) are super to work with. As far as the coaches and players, I never thought I could enjoy such a great professional and personal relationship with people, said Abdenour. Some people, back in Michigan, have told me that about my job. But the way I see Im it is that if an athlete needs attention right then, somehow youve got to get him healthy to get the program rolling again, noted Abdenour. Dad, Brother Paved The Way His father, Tony, may have started a family tradition that will never end. While in high school, he and wasnt too bad a served as a student-managbaseball player either. Mike, his brother, followed his fathers footsteps and took a road into the athletic trainer field. I remember that someone stole my brothers football jersey and after talking to the coach, they made him the student trainer, said Tom. Abdenour stated that his older brothers interest in training paved the way for his progress. By the time I got to high school, Mike had prepared everything for me. My interest was there and thats all it took, he said. While in high school Walt Owens, the present baseball coach at Northern Illinois, lended valuable while. Weber State Athletic Director Gary Crompton, at the wake of the brand new Wildcat football season, named Abdenour the new trainer replacing Ben Davidson who migrated South to take a similar post with another er school. One particular cross country runner, who knows very well that Abdenours expected priority is football carekeeping right now, stated, It isnt a drudge going into the training room. The first thing that greets you is a nice big smile. Somehow Abdenour finds just enough time to care for everyone. Abdenour doesnt see how any trainer could be negative in his job. Whether your team is losing or winning every game, someone has got to be assistance. Today Abdenour looks back and credits much of his acquired knowledge to this man. As a freshman at Wayne State, one of over 30,000 students. Abdenour served as a trainer for the Detroit Red Wing Junior Hockey team. From 1972 to 1978, the avid trainer served faithfully at a similar post with the Detroit ITM baseball team, a sandlot squad that continually turned out big league baseball stars. Abdenour admits that he could see his own development in the field of training in the six years he spent at Wayne State and the five he spent as a student trainer under Bob White. In December of 1976 he earned his B.S. degree in Biology and in August of 1978 he obtained his Masters in Science Education. The degrees mean a lot to Abdenour but so does his acceptance as a Certified Athletic Trainer in the National Athletic Trainer Association. Being a member of the NATA is any trainers dream, he stated. To become a member, three things must occur according to Abdenour. First certain courses pertaining to training and science must be taken. Secondly, a trainer must have over .1800 experience hours verified and third, a final examination must be passed which is divided into two parts, written a'nd a practical experience portion. From Denby High to Hillsdale Junior College, where he was first awarded his head trainer position, Abdenour has never failed to learn something about training from someone. The key to learning is listening and respecting other people, he noted. Abdenour first heard about the Weber St. opening from the assistant trainer at Michigan University. Right away I called out here and Gary had me set up for an interview. My fiance and I spent no more than three hours in Ogden the day I was interviewed. All 1 can say is that we loved it immediately," said Abdenour v He and Christine Crombez plan to be married this May in Michigan. Everything is all set up, he said. I know the reason I'm here today is because I was in the right place at the right time. And because the good Lord is watching over me. When Mr. Crompton asked how long it would take me to be out here, I was the happiest guy in the world and I told him two days, said Abdenour. Two days later he was here and athletic personel haven't been sorry since. Abdenour is 25 years old and appears to have a long enjoyable stay ahead of himself at Weber State. He believes that football is the most challenging sport to be an athletic trainer in, but feels that only because of the high nurnh.- r i f injuries. In some Li , .. ision I st hinds, the head trainer His assistants cover the other covers football sports. I'm happy we're not so overwhelmingly large that it would prohibit me to one sport. I like em all, he said. - . TOP PHOTO, Tom Abdonour gots ployor rody BOTTOM PHOTO. Abdonour it on for proctico. bond at all Wildcat football practices. V 11 ( ! COACH PITS R3HIMAN tokos a moment after recent practice to show Weber State's new athletic some of his duties. Looking on also is Weber's athletic director, Gary Crompton. til! I, f; Mt M trainer |