CONWAY, Ark _ University of Central Arkansas head athletic trainer David Strickland has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe.

Strickland, who received his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State and his master’s from the University of Wisconsin-LaCross, is in his 11th year as the head athletic trainer at UCA.

“I’m very honored to be a part of a council that it’s main purpose is to improve the health care of young Arkansans,’ said Strickland. “As an athletic trainer, an important part of what we do is to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical activity. I’m hoping I can provide some knowledge to this council and assist them with any endeavors they encounter.’

Strickland, a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association said the goals of the council are similar to those of his UCA athletic training staff.

“Our philosophies are very similar in that we attempt to create active and healthy lifestyles for our student-athletes,’ Strickland said. “I think this brings a lot of recognition to our College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and Kinesiology and Education department and what they do here at UCA.’

Volunteering has always been a big part of Strickland’s professional career. In February of 2003, he was selected to be a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Medical Staff for the Titan Games—working with Taekwondo, shot put and discus.  In addition to that, in April of 2001, he was selected to work at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with the wrestling and Taekwondo teams. 

Strickland has also volunteered his time for various other events, serving as the medical coordinator for the National College Finals Rodeo Championships (1998), the South Dakota High School State Wrestling Championships (1996), and the Mount Rushmore International Marathon (1996, 1997).  In 1995, he assisted in hosting the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country National Championships while he was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.