The Rambler, Vol. 92, No. 2
Christine Peirce, opinions editor

     A young boy sits in his room, daydreaming of what he will become when he grows up, and all he can imagine are lights and sirens, police cars and ambulances, fire trucks and having 911 as the number printed on his business card.

     Fast forward 20 or so years, and meet Kyle Morgan, head athletic trainer of Texas Wesleyan for four years and counting.

     "I try to make sure that all of our athletes are healthy," said Morgan. "I am usually first on the scene when an athlete gets injured. It is here that I make a determination of what needs to be done. If further care is needed, then it is up to me to follow through, if that means activating 911 or removing the athlete from the floor/field to the sideline so the game/practice can continue."

     Although Morgan didn't end up the typical emergency worker, he's still a hero to many.

     Morgan's duties as head trainer encompass prevention, care and treatment of athletic injuries. In his training room he offers taping, first aid, therapy, rehabilitation and an open ear always willing to listen.

     Beyond Morgan's responsibilities, he said he has an open door policy so that students, athletes and even coaches can come and talk to him about anything that might be a problem.

     "My job is not an 8-to-5 job. I am not always indoors, although sometimes - like during two-a-days - I might wish it was. I am here as early as any of my 10 coaches want to practice and as late as any of my coaches and athletes need me to be," he explained.

     "It is the profession that kept calling to me," he continued. "The sweat of the athletes, screaming coaches, the heat and exhaustion of two-a-days in the blistering sun - a job only a trainer could love."

     Making the most of every moment is Morgan's driving force for those long and sometimes exhausting days.

     "You need to live everyday to its fullest because you never know how long it will last," he said. "My motivation has always come from my parents instilling in me the philosophy never to give up. Give it your all no matter what your limitations may be."

     Although his primary goal is currently focused on the health and welfare of his student trainers and athletes, his determination goes beyond being a trainer.

     "I am considering continuing my education with a master's in business," Morgan said. "Personally, I would like to have or adopt healthy children and continue myself to be the best I can be. I would eventually like to travel for pleasure and see as many sites as possible as an avid scuba diver."

     Morgan received his bachelor of science in athletic training from the University of New Mexico in 1995 and followed up with a master of arts in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. His certifications include certified athletic trainer, licensed athletic trainer in the state of Texas, American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid instructor and approved clinical instructor in athletic training.