| |
|
|
|
 |
| Student Scholarship |
|
About the Student Trainer Scholarship |
The Valley Athletic Trainers Association Student Athletic Trainer Scholarship Fund was created to recognize and reward outstanding student athletic trainers in the Rio Grande Valley. Eligible students selected by the scholarship committee will receive a one-time award of $1000.00 payable to the college or university of their choice. |
| |
Anita Garcia Scholarship |
 |
Anita Garcia was born on August 25, 1963 in Edinburg, Texas with an athlete’s heart. Her life long love of sports began during her elementary years when she discovered the Dallas Cowboys. Her jr. high and high school years in Edinburg found her participating and excelling in track and field and in particular, cross country. A sport requiring from its participants a strict regiment of training and commitment to which she was well suited.
Upon graduation in 1981, she went on to attend Austin College in Sherman, Texas. After completing her studies, she worked at Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, Texas for a time before returning home to the Valley. With a growing desire to be involved in sports, Anita enrolled at UTPA and earned her Kinisiology degree. After a few years spent coaching at an elementary school |
|
level, she decided to expand her involvement in athletics and to take it a step further.
Anita returned to UTPA and joined the Athletic Trainer program from which she emerged as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Her first job took her to Nikki Rowe High School where she immersed herself in her new role, a role that encompassed various sports. But here she found something even more than a career. She discovered the true heart of sports - the athletes. And in her case, the student athletes and the spirit that they embodied – sacrifice, hard work, competition and team effort. All characteristics that marked the culmination of her life and career.
Due to her illness, Anita was unable to return in the Fall of 2003 to Economedes High School in Edinburg where she had served as Head Athletic Trainer since its opening. On February 5, 2004, one year after being diagnosed with cancer, Anita passed on. In her memory, the Garcia and Valdez families have contributed annually to the VATA scholarship program to honor her life and more importantly, Anita’s love of the game. It is her family’s hope that the recipient of the VATA Scholarship awarded annually in her name, will carry forth the spirit and legacy of Anita’s life. |
| |
Larry Lohr Scholarship |
 |
Larry Lohr, was the first athletic trainer in the Rio Grande Valley. Mr Lohr started his career in the late 50's at Donna High School as a contract athletic trainer. He has the honor of being the father of Athletic Training in South Texas. His hard work and dedication to the profession inspired others in our area to follow in his footsteps. Mr Lohr has the distinction of being the only athletic trainer to be part of a Football State Championship in South Texas, Donna High School. His career took him to Donna, McAllen, Weslaco, and La Feria high schools. Mr. Lohr was inducted into the SWATA Hall of Honor for his hard work and dedication to the athletic trainer profession. |
|
1943 - Navy - Completed the Navy School of Physical Therapy and served as a physical fitness instructor and therapist for pilots of aircraft carriers
Feb. 1958 - Aug. 1967 - Contracted the athletic training for Donna ISD. Trainer for 1961 State Champion Football Team
Lectured at SWATA District 6 injury clinic at Baylor in 62 and 81
1967 - Became Head Trainer for boys and girls athletics at McAllen High School. Stayed at McHi for 14 years until June, 1981
At McHi his athletic training program was chosen to represent Texas at the high school level as part of a display at NATA Convention in Kansas City in 1974
1978 - Held a 5 day sports injury clinic for PE instructors, students, coaches and physicians at the University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrery, Mexico
Aug. 1981 - Became Head Trainer for Weslaco ISD
1967 - Trainer for the South football squad at the Texas High School Coaches Association's game.
1982 - Trainer for the South basketball All-Stars at the T.H.S.C.A. coaching school in Houston
Feb. 1, 1986 - Completed 28 years as an athletic trainer
1990 - 1992 - Trainer for La Feria ISD |
| |
2010 Scholorship Recipients |
Tracia Boswell
Weslaco East HS
|
2010 Student Scholorship Winners |
| |
Application |
Download and Print Application Form
|
| |
Contact Us |
For more information contact student.affairs@vatargv.org |
|
 |
|
|
|
