Brad Dixon, known as “Doc” by students and staff at Del Rio High School (DRHS), has been an athletic trainer for thirty years, twenty eight of which have served at DRHS. During this time, many have wondered what has inspired Doc and his long career in athletic training. Responding to this curiosity, Doc shared the inciting event that led him to choose his career. “I was injured while competing in gymnastics in college and was rehabbed by the athletic training staff,” Doc stated.  “It made me realize I wanted to help others the same way.” 

When it comes to injuries and not being able to play, athlete’s can become hard headed and may not take Doc’s orders to sit out for a while: this is nothing new for Doc. “As a former athlete and die-hard competitor, I embrace the athlete who wants to push through pain.” Doc said. "I always ask myself this one question before allowing an athlete to return to play: How will they feel about this decision five, ten, or twenty years from now?  If I believe they will not regret it, then I allow them to return.” Other factors are also important to determining if an athlete can continue to play. “There is a physical and a psychological aspect to each decision to allow an athlete to return to play.  Both must be met or another injury is sure to follow,” Doc shared.

Injuries in sports are common, especially during a game. Through experience, Doc has developed the instincts he needs to respond in these situations. “The player who is screaming and flailing in pain does not bother me nearly as much as the one lying motionless and silent; this is where catastrophe lives! If I remain calm and confident, I hope that settles over the athlete and provides them comfort,” Doc said.

Luckily, the most common football injuries are bruises. However, he says that one of the worst injuries he's encountered in his career was an athlete who tore open the top of his scalp, almost from ear to ear. Fortunately there have been no significant injuries this year. 

For Doc, one of the most important parts of his job is the athlete's mindset. While an athlete is injured, they can’t play and do what they love. To help get them through the emotional devastation that comes with an injury, Doc tries to avoid bad news.  Instead, Doc encourages the athlete to remain positive and ensures them that they will get through it together, no matter the outcome. 

Regardless, according to Doc, all athlete’s have had to “go through the five stages of grief” when finding out they cannot play for a while. 

Doc is responsible for many athletes, and he says ensuring every single athlete is well taken care of is the most important part of his job. “It can often be very challenging, and some sports are more difficult than others, but with good student trainers and motivated co-workers it makes it manageable!” Doc said. 

Doc loves being an athletic trainer to all sports. His drive to help and take care of all his student athletes is applauded by staff, students, and parents of DRHS. No matter how big or small the injury, Doc invests all of his care and expertise in treatment. Doc knows and understands how important an athlete's sport is to them and how much love athletes hold for their sport. 

“Sports, whether individual or team oriented, teach us extremely important lessons about how to make it through life,” Doc says. “It is about self-discipline, self-sacrifice, dependability, loyalty, integrity, and a love for your God who made you in his image to bring all glory to his name through your good deeds on and off the playing surface every day.”