Getting to know the athletic trainers at Rock Bridge and Hickman

Greg Nagel, Athletic Trainer, Rock Bridge High School

• Hometown:  Salisbury, MO
• Universities attended:  University of Missouri - Bachelors, Central Michigan University - Masters, Central Methodist University - Teacher's Certificate
• When did you first start working at Peak?I first started working at Peak in the fall of 2006 after being offered a chance to teach a sports medicine class at Rock Bridge High School and cover RBHS sporting events and practices.  This has been a great opportunity that I enjoy and has been a good adjustment to my family time as well.
• When did you know athletic training was what you wanted to do?I knew I wanted to be an athletic trainer after taking Fred Wappel's Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries class. Then it was reinforced after working as a student athletic trainer in Rex Sharp's program at Missouri.
• What is your favorite part of the job?My favorite part of the job is observing and hopefully influencing the positive development of all the incredible student-athletes that come through Rock Bridge, injured or not. It is amazing how much change occurs from 9th-12th grades!  It is fun to be a part of that and hopefully interact in a meaningful, positive way.
• What is the hardest part of your job?The hardest part of the job is on the front end of injuries and dealing with the immediate disappointment the student-athletes have when a new injury takes them off the field. However, that is a great opportunity to be a positive influence and start the come back process.
• What do you like most about Rock Bridge High School and Columbia?What I like most about Columbia is that it is a very fit, health-oriented/conscious community with great health care and great culture with the different college and university influences.
• What are your favorite things to do outside of work?My favorite things to do outside of work include spending as much time as I can with my wife Jill and five-year-old son, Zachary.  When possible, anything in the outdoors such as fishing, hunting and golfing.

Stefanie West, Athletic Trainer, Hickman High School

• Hometown: La Plata, MO
• Universities attended: William Jewell, Central Methodist University, University of Missouri- St. Louis.
• When did you start working at Peak?I began working with Peak as the certified athletic trainer at Hickman High School in 2003.
• When did you know athletic training was what you wanted to do?I knew I wanted to be an athletic trainer after I had my third knee surgery and spent too much time in the training room at college.
• What is your favorite part of your job?I enjoy working with motivated athletes.
• What is the hardest part about your job?Some days include long hours.
• What do you like most about Hickman High School and Columbia?I enjoy the diversity I have at Hickman. Also, the coaches, teachers and parents truly care about these kids. Columbia is a great place to raise kids because of all the opportunities we have in this town.
• What are your favorite things to do outside of work?I like spending time outside with my family.