ATLANTA - Carson-Newman sports medicine's Lacie Geisel has been lauded with the Southeast Athletic Trainer's Association's Backbone Award.

Geisel received her accolade at the organization's annual convention in Atlanta, Ga. at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia. 

In her fifth year working on the banks of Mossy Creek, Geisel works with Carson-Newman's soccer and softball programs.  

One of the first awards given by SEATA.  It is designed to recognize an assistant athletic trainer that has played a major role as backbone to the Head Athletic Trainer.  This award is for the person in the trenches that is there day to day doing what is needed in the athletic training room, the true professional. 

Additionally, team doctor Dr. Matt Rappe' received the Jack C. Houghston, M.D. Sportsmedicine Person of the Year Award.  This award is given to the person that has contributed to SEATA and athletic training as a profession.  Both medical and non-medical persons have been recipients of this award.

This award is the highest award given to a person who may not be an athletic trainer and is designed to show the district's appreciation for particular contributions to the field of athletic training in the southeast.  This award was renamed in honor of Dr. Jack C. Hughston, M.D. by the SEATA Executive Board in December 2004.