Dr. Bill Holcomb, professor and founding director of the Master of Athletic Training Program in Mercer University’s College of Health Professions, was recently presented the Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist of the Year Award by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
 
“We would like to recognize Dr. Bill Holcomb for his outstanding accomplishment,” said Michael Massik, executive director of the NSCA. “This award is a small attempt to recognize him for the impact he has made to sports medicine and rehabilitation for athletes.”
 
Dr. Holcomb was selected for the award by the NSCA’s Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Special Interest Group, which determines the winner based on contributions to the NSCA, their community and the field of sports medicine/rehabilitation for athletes. The award has been presented annually since 2001.
 
Dr. Holcomb joined the College of Health Professions in May, bringing 24 years of program directorship experience to the faculty. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Fellow in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Fellow in the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His primary teaching and research expertise is in the area of athletic injury rehabilitation.
 
“We are so pleased that Dr. Holcomb has joined Mercer University and are proud of his many accomplishments to date,” said Dr. Lisa Lundquist, dean of the College of Health Professions.  “He is a leader in the field of athletic training, an accomplished scholar and an experienced program director and teacher. We know that he will continue to advance the education and clinical training of athletic trainers.”
 
Dr. Holcomb received the award during the 40th Annual NSCA National Conference, which took place July 12-15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference brings together the best practitioners from the strength and conditioning industry for cutting-edge presentations, dynamic hands-on sessions by renowned professors, researchers, strength coaches and personal trainers, and additional tools to help attendees expand their knowledge and further their careers.