VALDOSTA, Ga. – Lucas Patin, a graduating graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Valdosta State football team, attended Louisiana State University, and has recently accepted a position at Wake Forest University. 
 
March marks National Athletic Training Month, to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers behind the scenes for athletic programs across the country. 
 
The New Roads, La., native said he enjoys golf, listening to music and hanging out with friends outside of being an AT. He said New Roads is a small town outside of Baton Rouge, La., and that he grew up with a small family, growing up with his grandmother and father. 
 
Patin is CPR certified along with being a certified athletic trainer.  
 
"I always played sports growing up and enjoyed making others happy through helping them with either injuries or telling jokes," Patin said on becoming an athletic trainer. "I definitely wanted to work in an active, outdoor profession." 
 
Patin said being an athletic trainer is unpredictable day-to-day.  
 
"I get at the field house around 6 a.m., for weights," Patin said. "After weights, football practice is from 8-10 a.m., and I help with a recovery period from 10-11 a.m. After I take a break for lunch, I will do rehab with the players from about 1-4 p.m."  
 
"Game days are much longer for me," Patin said on game days in Titletown. "The days are much more spread out with huge blocks of free time. I have to do a lot more preparation and setup during game days versus regular days."
 
"I get joy just from interacting with the athletes daily," Patin said. "I feel since I played football and am so invested in the sport, I can relate well to the athletes. I enjoy getting to travel and see new cities, campuses, and stadiums while working with elite athletes."
 
One of Patin's favorite memories of being with VSU athletics was going to the DII NCAA National Championship football game with the Blazers in December. He also said prior to Valdosta State, he recalls traveling to Chicago with the Tennessee Titans during an internship as a highlight in his career. 
 
"One of the biggest challenges of being an AT would be the strenuous schedule," Patin said. "I have to spend so much time away from my family and friends, which can be super challenging at times." 
 
Patin said one of his favorite injuries to treat are long-term lower body injuries. 
 
"I specifically enjoy helping players recover from knee injuries," Patin said. "It takes months for players to recover and it's such a long process that is ever-changing and calls for a solid athlete-athletic trainer rapport for the athlete to return in top shape. I also enjoy getting on the field for sport-specific exercises to return them to play in game."