By: Evelyn Moore (10)

Kira Bacon, Helias Catholic’s new sports medicine teacher, also takes on the role of the new athletic trainer. 

Sports medicine is a class for juniors and seniors. Bacon teaches the class since it goes along with her profession of athletic trainer. She says it’s her first year teaching a class. 

“This is all new to me, but the kids are great,” Bacon comments.

Bacon previously worked in St. Louis at SSM Hospital, but came to Helias Catholic this year. The Orthopedic clinic in SSM Hospital performs surgical procedures, in-office procedures, and sees patients of all ages. In-office procedures include injections, treating dislocations, and putting in and taking out stitches and staples. Bacon received her bachelor’s and master's degree in athletic training from Truman State University. She says one of the requirements of her job is a bachelor’s degree in a field of science. 

“Unfortunately, they shut it down,” Bacon says about the athletic training program at Truman State University. 

Since Truman State University’s athletic training program was shut down, Bacon recommends Missouri State University and St. Louis University athletic training programs. She says she would go to Missouri State if she had to get another degree.

Bacon says this has always been her dream job.

"So, being an athletic trainer is my dream job, like being around sports, being around like athletes and everything," Bacon concluded.