MONROE, La. – Chris Gillespie, who has a career in athletic training and sports medicine for 40 years, has been appointed ULM’s Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine. Gillespie officially takes over the role on Thursday, September 1st. He served in multiple capacities in sports medicine at the University of Samford from 1982-2013. After retiring from the institution of Birmingham, Alabama, Gillespie spent 2013-14 as Director of the Athletic Training Administration and Mentoring at the University of Georgia where he was responsible for special projects as well as providing sports medicine care to UGA student athletes.&# xD; Gillespie, who has spoken at athletic training and sports medicine seminars from coast to coast, is considered a leading authority on sickle cell properties in athletes. He has also served on various athletic training committees at the state, district and national levels. Gillespie is president of the Alabama Athletic Coaches Association and Southeastern Athletic Coaches Association. In addition, he served as a member of the Alabama Athletic Coaches Association Licensing Task Force and was a member and Vice Chair of the Alabama Athletic Coaches Council for more than a decade. He was a member of the sports medicine team for the track and field and marathon at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Among his many awards in the field of athletic training are the National Athletic Coaches Association Service Award, the Southeast Athletics Coaches Association District Award, the Southeast Athletics Coaches Association Educator Award and the National Athletic Coaches Association Most Honored Coach Award. Gillespie was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Southeastern Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008. The highest honors in his stellar career came in June 2012 when he was inducted into the N Athletics Coaches Association. National Fame, an honor exists to recognize the best in the athletic training profession. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Chris’ experience join our staff and lead our sports medicine department,” said ULM Deputy Director of Athletics Rob Bernardi. “Chris is a member of the National Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame and recognized as a leader in the industry. I know our student athletes, coaches and staff will benefit greatly from his knowledge and expertise.” “I’m very happy to have Chris Gillespie here at ULM,” said head coach Terry Bowden. “During my six years at Samford University, Chris not only supervised our sports medicine program, but also initiated and directed the first accredited athletic training curriculum in the state of Alabama. his retirement where he has become one of the nation’s leading speakers on sports medicine and related topics. With his wealth of knowledge, Chris will help ULM develop a sports medicine program that will be as good as any at the Sun Belt Conference. Our student-athletes will receive the best possible medical care under his direction.” In 2003, Gillespie founded the non-profit ministry, TIM 413, which was inspired by God’s call to life. Although he has had a very professional career success in sports medicine, TEAM 413 is passion – a labor of love for runners and other endurance athletes around the world.Whether challenging others to run a lap on a track or run a mile, change attitudes, or improve relationships, she shares messages of hope, trust self, perseverance, courage, and strength. His goal is to show in his own life and to give others the truth of his life verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do anything through Christ who strengthened me.” Her story is one of inspiration and hope. Gillespie shares her words of encouragement, God’s grace, and overcoming trials with running groups, chu rches, sports teams and at marathons through the series speaker throughout the United States. He is the author of “Gracerunner – Faith on the Run” and “Grace-Words.” His third book, “Back on Track”, is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Gillespie received the degree bachelor of education from Mississippi College in 1980. He worked as an assistant athletic trainer in Northeast Louisiana under Hall of Famer Charlie Martin from 1980-82 while earning a Master of Education degree. Originally from Pontotoc, Mississippi, Gillespie and his wife Kiki and their dog Willie call Seacrest Beach, Florida, their permanent home. They have three daughters, Morgan, Ashley and Johanna; a son, named Gerrit; and two granddaughters, Kinley and Peyton.& #xD; What They Say About Chris Gillespie Steve Biondo, President of The Tim Tebow Foundation: “God has put Chris on a unique journey. That journey has given him a strong perspective on life and the deep things about living well and freely. He has been faithful to learn a lot from that journey. Approaching Chris brings you closer to him. one of the most attractive men on the planet!” Mark Richt, Former Georgia and Miami Football Head Coach: “My friends, Chris Gillespie’s love for his family, friends, athletes and students is surpassed only by his love and dedication to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Countless people have been blessed through his leadership, professionalism and knowledge.”& #xD; Jeff Galloway, World Famous Olympian Running Coach: “Chris Gillespie is an inspiring person who doesn’t let challenges get in the way of achieving his meager goals it in his profession that has been achieved. He has helped thousands of people improve their quality of life!” Scott Anderson, University of Oklahoma Principal Athletics Coach: “Chris Gillespie has built a tangible legacy that very few sports medicine professionals achieve.”
