JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Director of Sports Medicine Mike Van Bruggen has announced the addition of Nathan Sommers to the C-N sports medicine staff as well as the internal sport shuffling of four other members of the C-N sports medicine team.
"These are great people, and furthermore they are great healthcare providers," Van Bruggen said. "I'm elated to work with such dedicated professionals who will be dedicated to providing the highest level of care for our athletes."
Sommers makes his way to Mossy Creek and will provide coverage for the C-N men's soccer program.
Sommers comes to Mossy Creek from the University of Tennessee where he completed a Master's of Science in Sports Management.
He worked with the Vols track, swim and rowing programs. Prior to working at UT, Sommers completed his bachelor's at Indiana University. He gained experience during his undergrad working with the Hoosier's softball, football, tennis and field hockey teams. He also spent time as an intern with the Indianapolis Colts.
Sommers has Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AEC certification; he also has received Graston Technique certification.
Sommers fills the void left by Nick Bianco, who transitions from the men's soccer program to work with the C-N football team. Prior to C-N, Bianco worked with a litany of teams, serving as an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Smokies before landing at Mossy Creek.
Meanwhile, Matt Cahoon shifts from the C-N football program to the Eagles' golf and baseball teams. Cahoon is in his sixth year at C-N. Cahoon is a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and is a Licensed Athletic Trainer in the states of Tennessee and Maryland. He is CPR, AED, and First Aid certified by the American Safety & Health Institute as a BLS Healthcare Provider.
Associate Director of Sports Medicine Becky Cate will move from the baseball diamond to the links and the hardwood. Cate takes on women's basketball and will work with the Cahoon to provide coverage for the golf programs. In 2015 she earned the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Association's Backbone Award - presented to that person whose commitment and enthusiasm exemplifies the unselfish loyalty to their respective programs, staff and athletes.
Finally, graduate assistant trainer Dan Harrison adds tennis to his football duties. Harrison spent at year at Newberry before coming to Carson-Newman. Prior to working at the Eagles' conference mate, Harrison attained his bachelor degree in athletic training from Towson.