Michael Prybicien Inducted Into NJSCA Hall of Fame

 By Neila BudayAthletic Trainers' Society of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ Michael Prybicien, athletic trainer at Passaic High School, became the most recent athletic trainer inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association (NJSCA) Hall of Fame during a recent induction held on March 25th at the Pin Manor in Edison, NJ. . This honor recognizes coaches and athletic trainers for their integrity, ethics and skills. “On and off the field these role models have worked to shape our youth and enrich the future of so many student-athletes,” stated Steve Timko, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) executive director. The 35 inductees represented 32 public and 2 parochial schools. All inductees must have at least 10 years experience in New Jersey secondary schools. Michael is the athletic trainer at Passaic High School, a position he has held for the past six years. During his career he has worked at a variety of settings including St. Peter’s College, Hudson Catholic High School and Mount Saint Dominic’s Academy. In addition to his work at the high school, Michael is an athletic trainer at Overlook Medical Center, Concussion and Rehabilitation Department and also teaches in the Athletic Training Education Program at William Paterson University.  Continually looking to advance the athletic training profession, he currently serves the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) in the capacity of past-president, executive board member and public relations coordinator. During his presidency of the ATSNJ, which ran from 2009-2011, the ATSNJ was a leader in the field of sports safety, helping instate the concussion law enacted by Governor Christie.  He will soon be taking this experience to the national level serving as the District 2 representative to the National Athletic Trainers Association Public Relations Committee. “Mike is very deserving of this award,” said ATSNJ President Eric Nussbaum. “He is a tireless worker who is always striving to put himself at the forefront of his profession. He expressed the highest care for his athletes.” Michael received bachelor’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University in both health education and exercise and sports science and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Kent State University. Michael joins a distinguished group of athletic trainers that have been honored by the NJSCA. The Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey ATSNJ, Inc, consists of licensed athletic trainers, physicians and other allied health professionals whose goal is to promote quality healthcare for athletes in any setting