John C. and Sabra L. Spiker have extended their support for the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences with a gift that will go toward the construction of a new CPASS building and scholarships for students majoring in athletic training.

The gift will establish a classroom and laboratory, called the John and Sabra Spiker Athletic Training Classroom/Laboratory. Also, the John C. Spiker Student Athletic Training Enhancement Fund will provide scholarships for qualified undergraduate athletic training students and support related educational enhancement opportunities including conference travel, special learning opportunities and related expenses.

“I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded as a graduate of WVU,” John Spiker said, “and want to assist current and future students in their professional growth to take full advantage of the exceptional learning opportunities fostered through the Athletic Training major in the College of Physical Activity and Sports Science.”

Spiker has been with WVU since 1975 when he was hired by former dean J. William Douglas and director of athletics Leland Byrd to serve as coordinator of the athletic training services and to develop and coordinate the athletic training education program. He served as director of the education program curriculum until 1984. He assumed his current duties as WVU’s coordinator of Athletic Medical Services in 1991 and is serving his 38th season with the WVU football program.

Nationally recognized in sports medicine, he was voted by his peers as NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1980, National Athletic Trainers’ Association Distinguished Athletic Trainer in 1994 and to the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2012. He was also named to the Mid Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2011. He was inducted into the CPASS Hall of Fame in 1993 and named its Outstanding Alumnus in 2007.

A licensed physical therapist, Spiker is president of HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness, a clinic that specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation. Spiker received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1969 and his master’s degree in education from Pitt in 1972. He earned his physical therapy certificate from Penn in 1973.

“John Spiker started the WVU athletic training program in 1975 which has produced some outstanding graduates,” said Dr. Vince Stilger, undergraduate athletic training program director and associate professor. ” ‘Spike and Sabe’ are synonymous with WVU athletic training and have touched many lives over the years. It is only fitting that the new athletic training classroom display their names which will continue to enrich the program and future students. Their support and expertise has been selfless in educating our students.”

Said CPASS dean Dana Brooks, “We are most appreciative of John and Sabra’s leadership efforts. Their gift will have a long lasting impact within the College. As a faculty member, John Spiker has chosen to make an investment in our College’s students, faculty and staff. His decision to support the College will encourage others from within the University to give.”

At the request of the donors, the amount of the gift is not being made public.

A native of Bruceton Mills, John and his wife have three children: daughter Heather and husband John Throckmorton; son Tim and his wife Sarah and children Canon, 3 and Suri, 1; son Zach and his wife Jennifer and children Charlie, 3, Tucker, 2, and Henry, one month.

The gift was made to the WVU Foundation as part of A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University, a $750 million fundraising effort the Foundation is conducting on behalf of the University.

-WVU-

kc/11/29/12

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CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon, CPASS
304-293-0827, Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu