SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna University Athletics celebrates National Athletic Training Month by recognizing "Our Champions in Healthcare": Head Athletic Trainer Mike Keeney and Assistant Athletic Trainers Emily Bridy, Garrett Becker, and Kaiti Hager. Keeney is a veteran on staff at Susquehanna with 30 years of experience. Bridy is in her third year, while Becker and Hager are new to the university, having joined Susquehanna this year. 

As part of National Athletic Training Month, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) wishes to share some important tips to put you in a safe position if you're engaging in physical activity or in need of medical care. 

• Before participating, see your physician for a physical exam.
• Always make sure there is an emergency action plan in place.
• During exercise, drink to thirst or based on individual needs depending on sweat rate.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other harmful drugs.
• And, finally, have access to an athletic trainer who is essential to health care.

Find out more by visiting NATA online at nata.org.

About Mike Keeney, MEd, ATC
Mike Keeney has served as Susquehanna University's Head Athletic Trainer since 1995, devoting 30 seasons to the athletics department. As trainer of the football team, Keeney has been on the sidelines for over 300 games and was inducted into the Susquehanna Football Ring of Honor in 2020 to coincide with his 25 years of service to the university. A Pennsylvania product, Keeney received his Bachelor's in Athletic Training in 1991 from West Chester University, along with a Master's of Education with a focus in Counseling from Shippensburg University in 1995. He worked at Holy Redeemer Sports Medicine from 1991-1993, then at Shippensburg from 1993-1995 before coming on board at Susquehanna. 

About Emily Bridy, MS, LAT, ATC
Emily Bridy is in her third year with the Susquehanna University Athletic Training Staff, joining in March 2022 through Geisinger. A Pennsylvania native, Bridy went to Shamokin Area High School and earned her Bachelor of Exercise Science at Bloomsburg University in 2018, then her Master's of Science in 2019. While at Bloomsburg she served on the Susquehanna athletic training staff. 

About Garrett Becker, MS, LAT, ATC
Garrett Becker studied at Lebanon Valley College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. He later received his Master's degree in Athletic Training at Lebanon Valley through the accelerated program. Before making his way to Susquehanna he spent a year at Bucknell University working as a trainer with the football team as well as helping with rehabilitation. From there Becker also interned with the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater, Fla. 

About Kaiti Hager, MS, LAT, ATC, PES, CES
Kaiti Hager studied at California University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, as well as a Master of Science in Exercise Rehabilitation Science. Before joining the River Hawks, Hager began her athletic training journey as an intern with York College of Pa. After her internship, she joined Bucknell University, where she worked with the football program and later became the Head Football Athletic Trainer.