Class of 2026
Trevor Roiger, South Dakota State University
Dr. Roiger began his Athletic Training journey at South Dakota State University, graduating from the Athletic Training program in May 1997. He then accepted a Graduate Assistant position at the University of Minnesota working as an ATC with the
wrestling program. Dr Roiger was hired as an Assistant Professor/Assistant Athletic Trainer in August 1999 and his contributions to the profession of AT in the state of South Dakota began there. During that time, he has mentored hundreds of AT students
who have gone on to work in the state, region, nation, and abroad. He has served as a preceptor, instructor, and program director, guiding the strategic planning and transition to a fully MS AT program at SDSU. He has provided patient care for the student athletes at SDSU, and has developed, conducted, and published research projects on the quality of life effects following sport related concussion. From a service component, Dr Roiger has served as the President of the SDATA, serves as a reviewer for the MAATA Free Communications and has been instrumental in identifying ATs across the State to serve on state and district committees. His innovative ideas and leadership have shaped the AT profession in the State of SD and his work as an educator has influenced a majority of ATCs who currently work in the State of South Dakota.
Class of 2025
Tryg Odney – Sanford Health
Tryg has dedicated his career to advancing the field of athletic training in South Dakota and has made significant contributions to the profession. He currently serves on the SMAC committee to the SDHSAA and is a member of the Board for the SDBMOE appointed by the Governor. He has served the SDATA in all roles of the Executive Committee and multiple terms as president. During his tenure, he successfully led legislative efforts to update the state statute on athletic training. He has also served at the district level as a member of the Board of Directors for the MAATA. Tryg is always generous with his time and readily answers the call of the profession. His dedication is evident in his tireless efforts to promote the profession, advocate for athletic trainers, and enhance the quality of care provided to athletes. For over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping job opportunities for athletic trainers within the organization and throughout South Dakota. Under his leadership, Sanford Health has expanded school partnerships to improve access to athletic training services. During his career, Tryg has worked in both the high school and college settings, mentoring countless athletes and fellow athletic trainers along the way. His work has had a profound impact on the health and safety of athletes in South Dakota.
Class of 2023
Tony Silva
Class of 2020
Terry Truex
Terry began his professional career by earning a surgical technician degree from Southeast Vo-Tech in 1979. He went on to become a registered nurse through Augustana University in Sioux Falls and through the internship route with Augustana became a certified athletic trainer in 1995. In 2015, Terry also earned his certification to become a strength and conditioning specialist.
Terry has been a benefit to the South Dakota Athletic Trainer’s Association by serving as a member of the legislative task force from 2002-2004. During this time, it was in part due to his work that athletic trainers were able to begin billing for their services in the state of South Dakota.
Terry’s accolades include being awarded the SDATA Iron Will Award on multiple occasions, the Sioux Falls soccer Recreational Coach of the Year in 1999, the SDATA Athletic Trainer of the Year Award in 2004, the SDATA Service of Excellence award in 2010, Orthopedic Institute’s One to Trust Award recipient in 2012, and the Knights of Columbus Knight of the Year award in 2014.
Terry has demonstrated his commitment to being an athletic trainer for the past 28 years and has exceeded all expectations of the profession. He has spent countless hours serving athletes of all levels and patients from all walks of life; doing so with the compassion that puts people at ease. Terry treats everyone as a friend and has been an extraordinary ambassador of the profession of athletic training. The dedication to serving others that Terry displays has touched the lives of many and truly exemplifies what it means to be selfless. Dependability, reliability, loyalty, intelligence and kindness are some of his traits that make him the type of person we all want to be around. Terry has worked with coaches, athletic directors, and other athletic trainers to provide outstanding care during coverage of athletic events.
Class of 2018
Bernadette Olson
Dr Olson’s career as an Athletic Trainer (AT) has spanned 30 years. She has practiced in the State of South Dakota since 1993, when she began her position at South Dakota State University (SDSU). During her tenure at SDSU, she has educated hundreds upon hundreds of students, treated and cared for student athletes, served in SDSU administrative roles, served the AT profession at the national, regional and state level, and educated, baseline tested, and served thousands of South Dakota High School students through her concussion outreach project. Her reach across of the state of SD extends from border to border. She has played a role in educating parents, constituents, legislators, students, and patients at all different levels regarding the profession of AT. Her innovative ideas and leadership have shaped the AT profession in the state of SD. Her work as an educator has influenced a majority of ATCs who currently work in the state of SD.
Class of 2014
Bruce Fischbach
Bruce E. Fischbach MSS, ATC has been the Head Athletic Trainer for the University of South Dakota since 1987. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1984 and his Master of Sport Science Degree from the United States Sports Academy in 1991. Bruce has been active in the SDATA and has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer as well as having served on the MAATA Board of Directors over the years. Additionally, he has advocated for and defended the scope of practice for the athletic training profession through legislative efforts and as a liaison to the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. Further, he has directed USD to the College Athletic Management, “Award of Excellence for Athletic Training Management.” The first award of its kind presented by this organization. He has been a mentor to many athletic trainers who got their start as Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers at USD as he has tirelessly served the healthcare needs of thousands of athletes. He has worked with Special Olympics, minor league baseball, local youth athletics, and athletes in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
Class of 2006
Kathie Courtney
Dr. Kathie Courtney is a pioneer in the field of athletic training. She was one of the first few women certified in athletic training at the national level and was the first female certified athletic trainer in the state of South Dakota. She has been instrumental in the development of the profession through her involvement in the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association, having served in every office of that organization. She has served on numerous district and national committees. She has served as an excellent role model and liaison for women entering the profession of Athletic Training.
Class of 2001
Keith Fitzpatrick
Keith Fitzpatrick has been providing care to high school athletes for over 40 years. Fitzpatrick attended Trinity High School in Sioux City, Iowa, then attended college at Morningside College and finished at the University of Iowa. Fitzpatrick started his athletic training career with the Sioux City Soos from 1950-53. Fitzpatrick then served as a physical therapist in Omaha, Nebraska and Mitchell, South Dakota from 1954-93.
Beginning in 1957, Fitzpatrick also served as athletic trainer for Notre Dame High School. In 1970, he became the Head Athletic Trainer at Mitchell High School in Mitchell, South Dakota, continuing until 1992. Today he still works as an athletic trainer for Mitchell High School and a therapist for Avera St. Benedict Healthcare Center in Parkston, SD. Fitzpatrick is a very active man, serving as a consultant to the athletic training program at Dakota Wesleyan University and as a clinical instructor for Cramer workshops over the years.
Fitzpatrick has also been very active in the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association. Fitzpatrick is a charter member, and served as Vice President from 1977-81 and President from 1982-85. During that time he helped co-chair the Athletic Trainers Bylaw and Legislative Committee. Fitzpatrick was also a charter member of the South Dakota Physical Therapy Association and served as Vice President (1966-67) and President (1968-70).
Fitzpatrick is an active member in the American College of Sports Medicine, the Mitchell High School Quarterback Club, Dakota Wesleyan University Teammakers, and Holy Family Catholic Church. He has been active in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1948, and with the Boy Scouts, as a Troop Leader from 1960-1977.
Class of 1996
James Booher
Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree from Nebraska Wesleyan, his PT Degree from the Mayo Clinic, his MA in HPER at SDSU, and his PHD at the University of Utah. He began his career as an Athletic Trainer at SDSU where he has been instrumental in establishing the Athletic Training Major. Jim served as the District 5 Secretary/Treasurer and then as District 5 Director 1990-1993. He has been as active publisher of articles and textbooks.
Jim was a charter member of the SDATA as well as serving as the group’s first President. He was a key figure in the development of the SD licensure law and the regulation of Athletic Trainers in the state. Jim has been a leader in the American Heart Association, the South Dakota Emergency Medical Technicians Association, the South Dakota Association of HPERD, and the Brookings CPR Committee. Jim was chosen by his peers to be inducted into the SDATA Hall of Fame in 1990 and he received the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 1994.
Class of 1990
Rob Williams
Dr. Jack Billion
Jack Billion received his BA degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He was awarded his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964 from Loyola University Chicago and began his internship and residency training at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. After completing his orthopedic residency in 1969, Billion served two years in the United States Air Force as a Major. He returned to Sioux Falls in 1971 and practiced as a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon through 1997. In 1992, Billion was elected as a South Dakota State Representatives from the Sioux Falls-based 13th District. Billion was re-elected in 1994.
Jim Emmerich
