Nov. 14, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Phil Voorhis, who has spent 19 years at NIU, including the past 14 as the leader of the Huskies' athletic training staff, inducted into the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA) Hall of Fame.

Voorhis and fellow inductees Steve McInerney, director of athletics at Oswego High School, and Rochel Rittgers, head athletic trainer and coordinator of Intercollegiate Athletic Training at Augustana College, were inducted into the IATA Hall of Fame Sunday during the group's annual meeting in Springfield.

"I am the reluctant recipient of this honor, because in this business, you don't do things to get recognition, you do it to take care of the student-athletes, to take care of your professional obligations and to serve your local community," Voorhis said. "I didn't want to be nominated, but Jeff [Sisson, NIU Associate Athletic Trainer], [NIU alumnus] Roger Kalisiak and [former UIC head trainer] Carol Humble conspired to nominate me and I'm honored to accept this recognition from my peers."

Voorhis is a past president of the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association and also served on the Board of Directors as a regional representative. He has organized district and state athletic training symposiums, coordinated summer student athletic trainer workshops and served as a guest lecturer with a number of civic and professional organizations.

As NIU's head athletic trainer, he directs a staff of 10 who provide Northern Illinois' 467 student-athletes in 17 sports programs with medical care at each practice and competition. In his 14 years leading the Huskie athletic training program, he has sent numerous student and graduate assistants on to professional careers in athletic training and related fields while maintaining relationships with alumni.

In addition to his work with Huskie student-athletes, Voorhis has been an advocate for preventative medical care and safety on campus. Through his efforts, defibrillators were added to all university police vehicles and at all major campus athletics venues. He instituted a CPR requirement for all Northern Illinois athletics staff and is active with the local chapter of the American Red Cross, working with that organization's Disaster Team as an instructor.

"Most of the time, these types of awards come at the end of your career," Voorhis said. "I hope I can continue to earn this recognition and respect by continuing the work that I do with our student-athletes and for Northern Illinois University."

-- NIU --