Indiana Athletic Trainers Association

The IATA would like the opportunity to honor fellows ATs who have passed away. To share information on recently deceased ATs or those close to the profession please complete the form below. Your assistance will allow us to keep this page up to date and give all IATA members the opportunity to share a message with the families.

If you are unable to access the form, please reach out to Calleigh Smith at csmith@thecorydongroup.com.

We honor these ATs for their diligence and work on behalf of Indiana athletes.

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Jim Dickerson

1937-2021

Jim Dickerson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away quietly at home on Saturday May 29, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on November 10, 1937 in Boone County Indiana.

Jim attended the Perry Central School from grades one through twelve and graduated in 1955. Jim went on to Ball State University where he became the first student athletic trainer in BSU history and completed his Bachelors of Science degree and later his Master's Degree. Jim's legendary athletic training career began at Miami University, Oxford, OH, continuing on as the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Maine, Orono, ME; Kent State University, Kent, OH; and then returning to BSU where he joined Dick Hoover and Ron Sendre to begin what was one of the most remarkable teams of Athletic Trainers in the United States. Jim became the first Curriculum Director of the BSU Athletic Training Program that is also recognized as one of the first in the United States. Jim was a founding member of the Indiana Athletic Trainer Association and served as an Indiana State Representative of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association. Jim was honored by the IATA as a Hall of Fame member. He joined and was recognized in the inaugural class of the Ball State Athletic Trainers Ring of Honor. Jim's student athletic trainers and their continued successes, as well as the recognition he helped the athletic training profession achieve are what brought him such pride and sense of accomplishment. Jim went on from BSU and brought his knowledge, his countless friends and colleagues in the athletic field, to continue his career with Cramer Sports Medicine; Medco Sports Medicine and Sales Director of Active Ankle Bracing Company. Jim retired in 2007 after an esteemed 54 years in the Athletic Training profession.

Memorial contribution may be made to 3Morrow.org The Crosley Jayne Buchner Foundation - An organization close to Jim's heart. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.

Robert Kerns

January 11, 1931 - November 15, 2020

Robert "Bob" P. Kerns (Doc), age 89, of Valparaiso, IN passed away on Sunday November 15, 2020. He was born on January 11, 1931 in Valparaiso, IN.

Bob played college football at Valparaiso University, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Education. He completed his Masters Degree in Education at Indiana University. He also took classes in Athletic Training. He worked at Portage High School from 1956 until he retired in 1990. During these years at Portage he started by teaching math and being an assistance football coach and Jr. high basketball coach. In the early 1970’s he became one of the first high school athletic trainers in Indiana which led to his induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. In 1988 he served as one of the Athletic Trainers for the Indiana All-Star football game.