trainer, Christensen holds more than a half-dozen certifications in various health areas.
Changes in safety, prevention and recovery have multiplied in recent years.
“The quality has always been there but we’ve done a lot of research to do better,” Christensen said. “Concussions, for instance, are treated nothing like when I first started. Rehabilitation has changed dramatically. And in the next 5-10 years more changes will come.”
As part of the KCKCC program. Christensen has three physicians on call, two family and one orthopedic specialist.
“We really have good medical resources at major hospitals and great doctor support,” he said. “I would not be here without the support of so many, the administration, the coaches. They made it possible to develop a good program.”
During his years at KCKCC, Christensen has worked with three athletic directors, seven basketball coaches, four volleyball coaches and was in on the start of the women’s soccer programs. At the same time, KCKCC has had two national championship women’s basketball teams and volleyball and men’s soccer teams in the national tournament. Several of his students have gone on to careers in athletic training and related areas.
“Winning is always nice and I’ve worked with a lot of really good student-athletes but seeing them succeed and go on to better things and then come back and share their stories and successes is really special,” he said.
The induction of Christensen and volleyball All-American Blair Russell will come between the women’s and men’s basketball games in the opening round of the Keith Lindsey Classic on Friday, Nov. 15. Tipoff of the women’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m.
