NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University (GCU) athletic training faculty members Michael McKenney, Dr. Brandon Warner, and Marc Eilers, along with alumna Rebecca Lambert, recently provided support to U.S. athletes at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

"That’s how extreme it can get," said McKenney, an associate professor of athletic training at GCU, describing the severity of injuries at the event. Riders faced speeds up to 30 miles per hour on challenging courses designed to launch them as high as 45 feet.

Dr. Brandon Warner emphasized the high stakes for competitors: "For a lot of these kids, it’s the pinnacle of where they’re at. They’re giving it 110%." He noted that intense competition often leads to severe injuries.

The team from GCU included McKenney, Warner, Eilers, and Lambert—an athletic training program graduate from 2021. Their role was crucial during both practice and competition sessions for approximately 1,000 Team USA athletes participating in this Olympic-qualifying event.

McKenney's involvement with USA BMX began in 2015 during a volunteer internship at the Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center in California. Since then, he has been involved in various national and international race events alongside his colleagues.

During the championships, the GCU team handled minor injuries directly while collaborating with Atrium Health MED-1 for more severe cases. "We also took care of previous injuries athletes had coming into the race," said Eilers.

Lambert highlighted her experience working at BMX events: "You get to see completely different kinds of injuries and different experiences that you wouldn’t get in a traditional AT (athletic training) role."

Beyond BMX events, GCU's athletic trainers engage in various high-profile sports activities. McKenney will work at the Summer X Games in Ventura, California later this month while Eilers covers Section 7 basketball showcase at State Farm Stadium.

Warner will be presenting on cupping therapy and rehab techniques at upcoming conferences such as the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association District meeting in Texas.

GCU's athletic training program recently transitioned from a bachelor’s to a master’s program following accreditation mandates. The first cohort has already enrolled with another set for fall intake.

Eilers stressed the importance of practical experience: "It creates a reputation that aligns with what GCU is all about... It makes your curriculum come alive."

Lambert appreciated working alongside her former professors: "It was really cool to get to work alongside people that pretty much taught me everything I know."

McKenney concluded by reflecting on their involvement: "It’s really exciting… helping these people who have worked so hard to compete at their absolute best."

Manager of Internal Communications Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at [email protected].

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