Owen Mainord, a second-year student in the Master of Athletic Training program, made history for Boise State by winning the National Athletic Training Association Quiz Bowl on June 23. He took home a trophy and $1,000 for the Boise State athletic training program.
“More than anything, I was relieved,” Mainord said about his win. “I took the lead early, but knowing I was an unlikely champion (most of his competitors had already graduated), the lead felt a bit tenuous.”
The road to Mainord’s victory began at the regional level.
Each spring, Boise State athletic training students form teams to compete in a “Jeopardy”-like quiz bowl during the Northwest Athletic Training Association regional annual conference. Boise State students have a history of placing in the top three spots during this competition.
Each region sends its top team to compete in the national quiz bowl. While typically a team event, this year the association asked the winning teams to select one student to represent them. Boise State’s team selected Mainord.
Quiz bowl questions cover knowledge from the rigorous athletic training certification exam which all students must pass in order to become a certified athletic trainer. Categories include aspects of athletic training including history, legal issues, patient care, and more.
“We don’t necessarily ask students to prepare for the quiz bowl, but the outcome that we had speaks on how well we prepare our students for the board of certification exam and entry to the profession,” said Dave Hammons, director of the Master of Athletic Training program.
After he graduates in the spring of 2022, Mainord plans to work as an athletic trainer for first responders.
By: Hannah McNamee