EAU CLAIRE -- Jeff Oliphant, head athletic trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was awarded the Athletic Training Distinguished Service Award by the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers' Association, an award which hasn't been given out in four years.

Oliphant has been the head athletic trainer at UW-Eau Claire for eight years and has been a WATA board member for six years.

"I enjoy working with athletes," Oliphant said of his field of expertise. "They are an enjoyable group to work with."

Oliphant credits winning the award to his dedication to the WATA. The WATA's main purpose is to promote the profession of athletic training throughout the state, he said.

In addition to being a board member, he was chair of the organization's finance committee and has helped co-chair a sports memorabilia collection with the head athletic trainer of the Milwaukee Brewers, he said. They raised more than $20,000 in Milwaukee.

He also has volunteered at the Wisconsin Badger State games for the past eight years. Each year he has brought seven or eight students to help, he said.

Oliphant works with student athletic trainers at UW-Eau Claire, who take care of and treat all athletes at the university. He also is an assistant professor of kinesiology.

Oliphant is currently at the University of Iowa earning his doctorate in athletic administration. He will be back at UW-Eau Claire in the fall.

"I am very appreciative," Oliphant said of the award. "It's nice to be recognized by your peers."

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ML/JB

Updated: July 7, 1997