The 38th Annual Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) Conference and Business Meeting will be held March 3rd-March 4th at the Tropicana Atlantic City - Boardwalk Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. During the event seven individuals will be honored. Those receiving awards and scholarships will include: Eric Schwartz, Ronnie Barnes, Stephen G. Rice, Carl Lange, Jordyn Hecker, Samantha Corallo and Ava Parziale.
“I would like to congratulate all those receiving awards or scholarships. It is great to recognize those individuals who have truly made a difference in the profession and the students who have excelled academically! Those who are being honored make us all proud,” said Ken Cieslak, President of the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, Inc.
Hall of Fame
Eric Schwartz, DAT, LAT, ATC, is the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee. Dr. Schwartz obtained his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in 1998 and his doctorate from Moravian University. A long-time leader in New Jersey’s athletic training community, he has been the athletic trainer at Washington Township High School (Gloucester County) since 2011. In addition to other positions, he serves as The National Athletic Trainers’ Association District 2 Secretary.
President’s Award
The recipient of the 2024 President’s Award is Ronnie Barnes. The 1975 graduate of East Carolina University and 1999 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame Inductee has tirelessly advocated for athletic trainers in New Jersey and nationally. The four-time Super Bowl Champion serves as the head athletic trainer and senior vice president of medical services for the New York Giants of The National Football League. He has been with the organization since 1976.
Dr. Timothy Hosea Team Physician Award
The winner of the Dr. Timothy Hosea Team Physician Award is Stephen G. Rice, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., FACSM, FAAP. A 1967 graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Rice obtained his medical degree and Ph.D. at New York University. An advocate for athletic trainers in the State of New Jersey, Dr. Rice has served on several local, regional, and national committees, receiving numerous awards. He is an attending physician at The Jersey Shore Medical Center and Director of the Jersey Shore Concussion Center.
Phillip Hossler Loyalty and Commitment Award
Carl Lange, DAT, LAT, ATC, is the winner of the 2024 Phillip Hossler Loyalty and Commitment Award. Dr. Lange, a 1998 graduate of Rowan University, earned his doctorate from Temple University. As Collingswood High School’s athletic trainer since 2000, Dr. Lange has been an athletic trainer for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Wrestling Championships for several years. He serves as the Athletic Trainers’’ Society of New Jersey, Inc.’s Southern Region Representative.
Jack Weakley Scholarship
Rowan University’s Jordyn Hecker is the 2024 Jack Weakley Scholarship winner. The award, named in honor of the legendary leader and contributor to the athletic training community, is awarded to a deserving student enrolled in one of New Jersey’s CAATE programs. Jordyn, a Williamstown, New Jersey resident, also received the 2024 EATA Rachael Oates Memorial Scholarship Award. She currently serves as the chairperson of the ATSNJ Student Leadership Committee.
Richard Malacrea Scholarship
The 2024 Richard Malacrea Scholarship winner is Samantha Corallo of William Paterson University. This award, named in honor of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Famer and founding member of the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, Inc., is presented to an athletic training student demonstrating superior academic achievement and involvement. Samantha resides in Fairlawn, New Jersey, and serves on the ATSNJ Student Leadership Committee and NATA District 2 Ambassador.
Vito Recine High School Scholarship
Ava Parziale is the 2024 Vito Recine Scholarship winner. The scholarship, named in honor of the long-time New Jersey Athletic Trainer and State Practice Act developer, is awarded to a worthy high school senior. In addition to her contributions to athletic training, Ava has been a competitive gymnast for ten years, representing New Jersey at the 2023 Nationals.
