March 30, 2006
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - San Diego State head athletic trainer Don Kessler will be honored with the University of the Ozarks Alumni Achievement Award for his 30 plus years in college athletics. Kessler graduated from the university in 1970 with a degree in physical education.
Kessler came to SDSU in 2005 after spending 18 years at Rutgers University where he was the Coordinator of Athletic Training Services. He was in charge of 11 full-time trainers who were responsible for 30 NCAA Division I sports along with over 1,000 student-athletes.
In addition to his collegiate work, Kessler has spent time working with the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Rowing and the United States Soccer Federation. In 2004, Kessler was the athletic trainer for the U.S. rowing team in the 2004 Olympics.
During his time as an Eagle, Kessler earned eight varsity letters competing in soccer, cross country and track. As a senior he was honored with the school's outstanding athlete award. Kessler also earned his master's degree in physical education from the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
Kessler has been a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) since 1976 and from 1996-2001, he served as part of NATA's board of directors for research and education. During his time in New Jersey, Kessler was the president of the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association and the Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey.
Kessler is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. CDT on Friday, April 7, in Clarksville, Ark., as part of the Ozarks 2006 Alumni Lecture Series. He will be presented with the alumni achievement award during a luncheon on April 8.