Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award

Purpose:  The Bobby Gunn Student Leadership award was created in 2007 to honor one of the key figures in athletic training’s history. This annual honor is awarded to 11 non-certified students (one from each district) who have not attended the NATA Clinical Symposium & AT Expo meeting in the past.

Application Deadline:  January 31

Criteria:

• Applicants must be members of the NATA and either District Four or District Eleven.  One applicant from each district will be selected.
• Applicants must be a non-certified student enrolled in a professional athletic training program.
• Applicants must be first-time attendees to the NATA Clinical Symposium & AT Expo.
• Applicants must have an NPI number

The Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award was created to recognize one of the pioneers in athletic training and the instrumental role he has played in the profession. It provides a deserving student from districts four and eleven assistance to attend NATA’s annual convention.

Robert “Bobby” Gunn was a true hero of athletic training. He was a founding officer of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) in 1955 and served as SWATA vice president from 1955-56 and SWATA president for two consecutive terms in 1956 and 1957. During this time, Gunn typed the original SWATA constitution. He became the District Six director in 1963. From 1965-69, he served on the NATA Board of Directors, the last two years as chair. Gunn was the first person elected and re-elected, serving as NATA president from 1970-74. Along with his commitment regionally and nationally, Gunn also served as a representative to the Joint Commission on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, American College Health Association, and AMA Conference on Medical Aspects of Sports.

In addition to his service to the profession, he also served as athletic trainer for the third Pan Am Games (1959), Lamar University (1962), USA Soccer Team (1964), Pan Am Games (1967), NFL Washington Redskins, Houston Oilers (1962-1974), Shreveport Steamer of World Football League (1974), and five Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Games. He completed his career as a clinical outreach athletic trainer with Baylor Hospital system. After years of commitment, service, and contribution, Gunn was honored as a SWATA Hall of Fame charter member and NATA Hall of Fame member.

You can read more about Gunn's legacy in the April 2007 edition of the NATA News.

The application window of the Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award is open between December 1 and January 31 of each calendar year. One recipient from both Districts Four and Eleven receives a travel stipend and waived registration to the NATA Clinical Symposium. Professional level (undergraduate and graduate) athletic training students who are members of District Four or Eleven are encouraged to apply. The award recipients will be recognized at the NATA Annual Meeting during the Pinky Newell Scholarship & Student Leadership Breakfast. Please email the GLATA Secretary with questions. 

Click here for Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award Application