The Athletic Trainers Association recently named Sherman Howze, athletic trainer for Hamilton Sports Medicine, the 2016 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)-ATA Southern States Athletic Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year.

Howze is the athletic trainer for Dalton State College (DSC).

“Sherman is a big part of our success,” said Hunter Hageman, DSC assistant men’s basketball coach. “He relates well to the players.”

Sayvon Wilson, DSC athlete, said Howze is one of the best trainers he’s worked with. “He loves us all,” he said.

This award recognizes a National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)-certified athletic trainer at an NAIA institution who has distinguished himself or herself as a model of the profession of athletic training in personal conduct and professional allied health service to athletes.

Erik Simpson, assistant athletic director at Dalton State, nominated Howze for the award.

“Sherman has lowered the cost of insurance, decreased our injury-rate percentage, and called for more stringent drug testing at the NAIA level,” said Simpson.

According to Stephanie Rynas, Hamilton Sports Medicine manager, Howze is humble, hardworking and positive. “Even having the long hours that being a college athletic trainer requires, Sherman still volunteers to help other staff members and is a true team player,” she said. “He cares about doing the best job he can and getting the best results.”