Dr. Taz Kicklighter is pictured here with Lee athletic training majors at a recent Ironman competition. . From left, Joe Busic, senior; Dr. Taz Kicklighter; Alyssa Slagle, senior; Kayla Hall, junior; and Tyler Gunter, junior.
Lee University students and faculty served at two Ironman events in Chattanooga. The Ironman is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.
Students from athletic training, exercise science, wellness education and freshmen Gateway classes served at various stations throughout the events.
“This service opportunity not only gave our majors a chance to serve others but also helped them see classroom lectures on exercise physiology in action in the real world,” said Dr. Mike Iosia, chairperson of Lee’s Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education. “It is one thing to talk figuratively “hitting the wall,” but it is very different to see it happen before you.”
Most recently, students served at the Ironman on Sept. 24, which consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run.
AT students served in the medical tent for the event where they transported injured and ill athletes to the tent, provided basic first aid, diagnosed and treated minor athletic injuries, and assisted the on-site doctors when needed.
Exercise science and freshman Gateway students served with Dr. Iosia and Pam Womack, a wellness education senior lecturer, at a station on the marathon portion of the event. They handed out water, food, and also encouraged the athletes during the run.
During the weekend of Sept. 9, AT students served as volunteers with the United States Anti-Doping Agency at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship event in Chattanooga.
“We have had the opportunity to assist the USADA for several years at various Ironman Competitions to promote drug-free competition,” said Dr. Taz Kicklighter, director of Lee’s athletic training program. “Assisting at the World Championships this year was a special treat because it allowed us to have direct contact with some of the greatest professional and amateur athletes in the world.”
The competition features a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
“I always look forward to volunteering at the Iron Man each fall,” said Alyssa Slagle, a senior athletic training major. “It is such a privilege to work with such high-achieving athletes and the community that forms around them.”
For more information about Lee’s athletic training program, contact Dr. Kicklighter at tkicklighter@leeuniversity.edu.
Students handing out snacks during the race