KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Truman State Athletics has announced the hiring of Ross Arens as an Assistant Athletic Trainer, adding an experienced sports medicine professional to the Bulldogs' athletic training staff.

Arens will serve primarily as an athletic trainer for the Truman State football program while also providing medical coverage and support for additional Bulldog athletic teams.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Truman State Sports Medicine team," Arens said. "I'm excited to build new relationships and contribute to the success and safety of our athletic programs."

Arens comes to Truman State after serving as an Outreach Athletic Trainer with Methodist Fremont Health in Fremont, Nebraska. In that role, he provided athletic training services for more than 350 student-athletes at a Class A high school, including injury evaluation and management, rehabilitation planning, practice and game coverage, medical documentation, and coordination of orthopedic care. He also provided coverage for the Fremont Moo summer collegiate baseball program.

Prior to his professional experience, Arens earned his Master of Athletic Training degree from Midland University, where he accumulated more than 1,000 clinical hours working with collegiate and high school athletes. His experience included assisting with injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and day-to-day sports medicine operations across a variety of sports.

Arens also completed clinical rotations with NCAA Division I student-athletes at the University of South Dakota, gaining experience working with football, volleyball, and men's and women's basketball programs.

"I look forward to having Ross join our staff," said Head Athletic Trainer Michelle Boyd. "He brings a variety of experiences and skills that will make our team even stronger and continue to improve the services we provide our student-athletes."

A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Arens earned a degree in Exercise Science with minors in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Science before completing his master's degree at Midland University. He is certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) and is a member of several professional athletic training organizations.

In his role with Truman State, Arens will help provide comprehensive healthcare, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance support for Bulldog student-athletes while working closely with coaches, physicians, and the sports medicine staff.

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