Last month, the athletic department released some bittersweet news. Northview’s own beloved athletic trainer of nearly four years, Brian Killinger, was to move away in pursuit of a new job on December 26.
Killinger received an offer to use his sports medicine skills working for the United States Army and Special Operations at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Although he was deeply rooted in the Northview community, it was an offer he simply couldn’t turn down. He understood that this opportunity meant climbing the ladder in his career as an athletic trainer.
Killinger also knew that the decision would be tough.
“As a graduate of Northview, I’ve been around for so long now that I feel like this community has really built me into the person that I am today,” Killinger said. “In taking this new position, the hardest part for me will be not being able to impact the kids in the way I have been able to over the past few years.”
His absence will certainly be felt by athletes and staff. Killinger wrapped countless ankles and touched countless hearts. He described the training room as not only a place to go for injury treatment, but a “safe space” in case students just need to talk.
A replacement from Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy has not yet been hired, but veteran teacher and athletic trainer Jesse Brinks has stepped into the role for the time being.
“The only message I have for everyone is thank you,” Killinger said. “I hope that I leave this place better than I found it, and that I made as big of an impression on the kids as they did on me.”
Calvin, great article celebrating Killinger. I’m really proud of your work. VW