UK's Webster, Madaleno, Black Honored by 'KATS'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 6, 2014) — Tonight will be a big evening for two longtime members of the University of Kentucky Athletics Training staff and a University Health Service physician who regularly works with the UK Athletics program.
Keith Webster will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Trainers Society (KATS) Hall of Fame. Jim Madaleno will be honored as this year's KATS Kentucky Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year. And, Dr. Scott Black will receive recognition from KATS as the Sports Medicine Person of the Year.
The awards will be presented as part of the 2014 KATS Annual Members Meeting and Symposium being held in Lexington today and tomorrow.
Webster, head athletic trainer for administration and an adjunct faculty member in the College of Health Sciences, has been at UK since 1997. He is responsible for coordinating resources from UK HealthCare for Wildcat student-athletes and supervises one full-time and six licensed graduate assistant athletic trainers as they provide daily coverage for 10 sports. Webster has received a number of awards on the national, regional and state levels. He served as a chief athletic trainer at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Ga.
"It is a true honor to be inducted into the KATS Hall of Fame," Webster said. "Being recognized by the many friends and colleagues I've met in the 29 years practicing in the state is a real highlight of my career."
Madaleno, director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer for football, also has been at UK since 1997. A part of the staff for seven bowl teams during his time with the Wildcats, Madaleno was elected as president of the Southeastern Conference Sports Medicine Committee last year.
"I am very humbled by this award," Madaleno said. "To be honored by your peers means so much. The athletic training profession is a rewarding one, knowing that we have an impact on a young person's life. What an awesome responsibility."
Black, who is medical director of employee health at UK, also serves as a team physician for UK Athletics. A native of Barbourville, he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from UK.
"I am very appreciative of this award," Black said. "I have a great deal of respect for athletic trainers. They are the front-line, first responders for sports medicine and rarely get the credit they deserve. To be chosen for this honor means a great deal to me."
KATS President Rob Ullery had words of praise for the honorees.
"Both of the athletic trainers being honored are pillars in the profession," said Ullery. "Keith and Jim are well respected not only locally, but nationally as well. I cannot think of two more deserving individuals than Keith and Jim. Dr. Black has contributed greatly to our legislative efforts in Frankfort and works tirelessly on behalf of student-athletes at UK and across the state.
"Kentucky should be proud to call all three of these individuals our own."
Other highlights of this year's KATS conference include UK HealthCare Sports Medicine's Dr. Darren Johnson moderating a session of clinical case presentations, and National Athletic Trainers Association President Jim Thornton will deliver the keynote address.
Continuing education units will be available.
More information is available at the KATS website www.kyats.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; Allison Perry, 859-323-2399.