Bowling Green State University Athletics
Doug Boersma Receives First Department Roll Along Award
November 27, 2008 | General
Nov. 27, 2008
Bowling Green, Ohio - Bowling Green State University's Doug Boersma has been awarded the athletic department's first Roll Along Award, given to staff members who understand and live the theme of "18 Sports. 1 Team." Boersma is the director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer for the department.
"I am very thankful to be recognized by the department," Boersma said. "I am honored to be a part of an athletic department that is determined to see success from our student-athletes. To be considered a team member that aids in that success is truly humbling."
Boersma was a unanimous decision as the first recipient, as voted by the athletic department's senior staff. He received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate and was presented with the award at a recent all-staff meeting.
"Doug epitomizes what the Roll Along Award represents," BGSU athletic director Greg Christopher said. "His tireless dedication to our student-athletes is what people often notice first about Doug, but he is also a valued and trusted colleague. Bowling Green State University is a better place because of Doug Boersma."
The award provides an avenue to recognize outstanding individuals in the department who make an impact on others and make the department a better place for everyone, including the student-athletes. The award will be presented four times per year.
"With more than 75 staff members and coaches in BGSU athletics, we wanted to create an award that would celebrate the efforts being done for BGSU and our student-athletes," Christopher said. "The name `Roll Along Award' symbolizes the spirit of Bowling Green. We have many remarkable people working in intercollegiate athletics and we look forward to saluting them at our quarterly all-staff meetings."
Other quotes about Boersma
Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA Janna Blais: "Doug continues to exceed my expectations on a weekly basis. He has found ways to continue to provide exceptional care to our student-athletes. He is a talented and resourceful manager and handles administrative duties with ease. He continually seeks out new ways to contribute to our department and raise the level of care for all of our programs. Above all, he conducts himself with professionalism at all times and truly respects the work of others around him. The relationships that he has developed with medical professionals in our community and the work that he has done connecting our sports medicine department with our campus health center has been, and continues to be, invaluable to our department. His ability to develop relationships with a diverse group of people is a key to his success."
Assistant Athletic Trainer Annette Davidson: "I can be completely honest with Doug and that is very important to me. I can talk to him about different things and be very open with him. He is someone that works beside his staff and the athletic training students. He does not expect more from us than what he gives. He genuinely cares about the student-athletes' health and well-being and the athletes know this. Doug makes himself very available for our needs and the needs of our student-athletes. He is literally "a phone call away" and makes special accommodations for our student-athletes at the expense of his own personal time. Doug is an unselfish man who simply likes to help others."
Head Team Physician Dr. Jeffrey Notz: "Doug's honest and intuitive approach to everyone he meets makes me proud to be his colleague and friend. He is authentic in everything he does. From his devotion to his family to his considerate commitment to his friends, Doug is a role model for all who meet him. Our athletes and the University are truly lucky to have him as the Director of Sports Medicine. I respect his expertise, admire his sincerity and cherish his friendship."
Human Movement and Sport Leisure Sciences Instructor Chris Schommer: "As a clinical instructor in the athletic training education program, Doug consistently exceeds all expectations in the education and mentoring of our athletic training students."
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Dan Fischer: "Being 7-12 hours away from any direct contact with my family, Doug has made Bowling Green feel like a second home. Doug has opened his home to me since day one and has been a great mentor during my assistantship. His guidance has helped me grow not only professionally, but also into the next phase of adulthood. With his help, I feel that I will become a successful athletic trainer."
Fifth-year Senior Football Player Jeff Fink: "Doug does more than treat sports injuries, he treats people. He cares for athletes during their darkest days when rehab seems endless and frustration sets in. Doug is there motivating their desire and curing their anxiety. Doug has relentlessly served this program. During my redshirt freshman year, he received a call informing him that I had been in an accident. He was returning from a conference in Indianapolis and met me at the hospital. He may not have even known who this freshman was and he did not have to come, but he did anyway."
