Sutherland named as new NU athletic trainer

By Tim Kyrkostas
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

With the resignation of athletic trainer Elizabeth Delia, Norwich University's athletic department began searching for a qualified and enthusiastic individual to fill the position.

Rachel Sutherland, a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in exercise and sports science while specializing in sports medicine, was the one picked to fill the void.

Sutherland brings experience from Atlanta Sports in Georgia, where she interned while also working to help members of the Atlanta Braves recover from injuries.

After leaving her job in Georgia, Sutherland worked in Middlebury, Vt., where she worked at Back to Action Physical Therapy. There she helped to implement an outreach program designed to help local high school athletes recover from sport related injuries.

The hiring of Sutherland comes after the resignation of former athletic trainer Elizabeth Delia, who worked with the program at Norwich for several years and left to take a job at Saint Michael's College.

"Rachel comes to Norwich with a great deal of experience and enthusiasm, and the university is excited to have her as a member of our athletic training staff," said Anthony Mariano, the athletic director of Norwich University.

Sutherland has many responsibilities as the assistant athletic trainer.

In addition to being the chief trainer with the men's ice hockey team, Sutherland also assists in all other student athlete rehabilitation as necessary.

The men's ice hockey team is excited to have a young, qualified trainer working with them as they begin a new season.

"I am very pleased with the effort that Rachel exerts with our players, especially when they get injured or need extra attention," said Mike McShane, head hockey coach.

Working with a new student body of athletes brings many new and exciting challenges for an athletic trainer ambitious to get experience and learn new things.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Norwich staff. I'm getting to do exactly what I want to do - work with talented athletes in a small college setting," said Sutherland.

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