The Arizona Western College Sports Medicine staff consists of two licensed athletic trainers who are dedicated to the health and well-being of the student-athletes. The Athletic Training Department also facilitates an internship program designed to advance the profession and encourage Arizona Western College students to pursue careers in athletic training. The staff utilizes best practices that are supported by current evidence and follows guidelines of care that are detailed by the National Athletic Training Association and other governing bodies. The goal of the staff is to support student-athletes by managing/treating their athletic injuries and encouraging lifetime wellness as they embark on their journey toward athletic and academic success.

Certified Athletic Trainers 

Chris Black  christopher.black@azwestern.edu (928) 344-7627	Sharmayne Hardy sharmayne.hardy@azwestern.edu (928) 344-7541

Athlete Forms

Program History

The Arizona Western College Sports Medicine department was established in 1979 when Charlie Dine (then-Athletic Director) hired the first certified athletic trainer the campus had ever seen – John Neulieb. Dine brought Neulieb on to help the student-athletes become better prepared and better conditioned and, therefore, better student-athletes. At that time, an athletic trainer's job was not limited to duties in the athletic training room. Neulieb, in addition to his job description, assisted with lining the athletic fields, announcing at home games, score-keeping at the basketball games, helping with concession sales, and even driving the Matador bus on road trips, truly making a mark on the Matador family.

After 22 years of being the only certified trainer, the department was able to expand and Neulieb was joined by Melissa Schlettert. Having two athletic trainers on staff allowed the department to improve and provide specialized care to the student-athletes. Neulieb and Schlettert, along with a faithful group of student interns, worked together to progress the Sports Medicine Department over the years. In 2006, the legendary Neulieb announced his retirement - capping an incredible 27-year career. Since then, the department has had many outstanding athletic trainers strive to continue what was started in 1979.

Previous Athletic Trainers

Visiting Teams

The Sports Medicine staff at Arizona Western College would like to welcome you to your upcoming competition against the Matadors!

Our athletic training room is located inside the GY Building - on the southern side of the building, facing the softball field. (See our Athletics Campus Map.) One of our certified athletic trainers will be present at all competitions. Per ACCAC guidelines, prior to (or at the start of) warm-up activities, the following will be available to your team: access to a treatment/taping area, water and cups, injury ice and ice bags, biohazard equipment, waste container, and emergency medical equipment (i.e. crutches, vacuum splints, and AED). If your team is an indoor sport, bench towels will be provided. Outdoor sports teams may request ice towels, if necessary. Emergency action plans will be accessible to visiting teams prior to the start of the competition (often located on the water coolers).

If your team is traveling without an athletic trainer, and your athletes require specific treatment, please contact our staff prior to your team's arrival. Visiting teams are responsible for sending their own supplies as well as treatment and modality scripts.

Below is some other useful information regarding local medical facilities in Yuma. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or special needs. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
The AWC Sports Medicine Staff

Local Medical Facilities