Upper Iowa is blessed to have five exceptional, full-time athletic trainers on staff in Fayette this year. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine Matt Rueckert leads the department in his 23rd year at Upper Iowa. He is joined by Senior Assistant Athletic Trainer Rachel Caspers, who is in her 15th year of service, and Assistant Athletic Trainer Ryan Fonkert, who is in his 9th year at Upper Iowa, as well as a pair of newcomers to Upper Iowa… Georgie Wilson and Sarah Rafson.

Message from Matt Rueckert, Associate AD for Sports Medicine:

Our five athletic trainers are all board-certified and licensed by the state as healthcare providers. The Upper Iowa athletic trainers serve the nearly-400 Peacock student-athletes in the areas of prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, or chronic injuries and medical conditions.

The Peacock athletic training staff also works closely with the student-athletes on their mental health and well-being. Upper Iowa student-athletes feel comfortable with their respective athletic trainers and share more personal details that can help lead to a better student-athlete experience here in Fayette.

The Peacock athletic training staff is raising funds during this year's Peacock Power 24-Hour Challenge as a means to provide all Peacock student-athletes with the care they deserve.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. We are so grateful for all the support and encouragement from the Peacock family. Go Peacocks!

Athletic Training Needs:

This year, we would like to focus our fundraising efforts on a Lever Movement System. Specifically, we would like to get the Lever Up+ Scale with at least one set of shorts for each size. In an ideal situation, we would have multiple pairs of each short and at least 2 weight support systems. This system will allow us to have athletes use a treadmill early in rehab or when they have a lower body injury by reducing the weight on their legs.

Associated Costs:

Lever Up+ Scale - $1500

Shorts (XS_XXXL) - $110 a pair