LSUS’ Champagne Named RRAC Athletic Trainer of Year

The athletic trainer or strength coach for any school often goes unrecognized even though there job is so important to a program's success. LSUS' trainer has been recognized for his excellence.

LSUS Report/Mark Cantrell

LSUS’ CHAMPAGNE RECOGNIZED AS RRAC ATHLETIC TRAINER OF THE YEAR

WACO, Texas – As the individual who keeps LSU Shreveport’s student-athletes tuned up and on the playing field, Lance Champagne has played a key role in the success of the Pilots. His passion for the teams he serves and for his profession have earned Champagne the 2014-15 RRAC Athletic Trainer of the Year Award.

Given annually, the award recognizes an NATA-certified athletic trainer from the RRAC who has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession in personal conduct and professional allied health service to student-athletes. The selection is determined as a peer vote with all conference athletic trainers voting.

Champagne exceeded all the requirements for this award while serving as a leader within the conference and nationally.

Serving on the NAIA-Athletic Trainers Association since 2013, Champagne is the current chair of the RRAC’s Athletic Trainer Committee. In fact, Champagne created the committee last year to improve communication among all athletic trainers in the conference and establish standard practices across all RRAC members. Their mission was to improve game day services and supplies, the AED policy, concussion policy, and lightning safety policy.

Champagne serves as the only NAIA athletic trainer currently on the Cramer Products Advisory Council, which was established to address AT topics and products. He has a passion for passing along his knowledge as well. In June, he will hold his third annual high school athletic trainer workshop at LSUS.

Champagne also volunteered his services to other area events such as the American Junior Golf Association tournament in Shreveport.

In addition to his commitment to his profession, Champagne is a valuable asset to LSUS with his willingness to go above and beyond for the program.

“Lance is the epitome of a team player,” says LSUS athletic director Chad McDowell. “The core value I think Lance represents the best is Servant-Leadership. This guy simply serves whoever and whenever. He participates often in our Champions of Character and community service events. Lance is a tremendous leader and has mentored several graduate assistants. You will never hear a negative word spoken about Lance.”