CPS Head Athletic Trainer Inducted Into AATA Hall of Fame

Head Athletic Trainer Jason Cates recently received a very deserving honor. On Saturday, April 29, he was inducted into the Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association (AATA) Hall of Fame. 

Mr. Cates has been the Head Athletic Trainer at Cabot Public Schools since 2011. He graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He majored in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine. 

Mr. Cates oversees the day-to-day operations of the sports medicine department, which includes four full-time licensed athletic trainers, 15 sports, 81 teams, more than 1,100 student athletes, and a sports medicine curriculum program for approximately 200 students.

As our Head Athletic Trainer, Mr. Cates has been instrumental in keeping our school district ahead of the game when it comes to protecting our student athletes. 

Cabot was recently awarded the National Athletic Trainers' Associations “Safe Sports School 1st Team” designee for the second time. In 2013, Cabot was awarded the three year award (2013-2016) and at the time, Cabot was the first school in the state of Arkansas and the 13th school in the country to receive this award.

This award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student athletes and reinforces the importance of providing the best level of athletic health care, injury prevention, and treatment. The Cabot School District's Sports Medicine Program is also nationally recognized and serves as a model to other school districts.

Throughout the years, Mr. Cates has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:

2016 - National Federation of State High School Associations “State Award for Outstanding Service in Sports Medicine Initiatives
2014 - Korey Stringer Institute “Lifesaving Service Award”
2012 - National Athletic Trainers' Association “Service Award” 2008 City of Jacksonville, AR “Medical Community Hero of the Year”
2008 - Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association “Athletic Trainer of the Year”
1998 - HealthSouth Clinician of the Year

Mr. Cates is also a member of several professional organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association, and the Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association.

We are extremely fortunate to have an expert like Mr. Cates employed at the Cabot School District. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our student athletes. Congratulations on your well-deserved induction in the AATA Hall of Fame!

Jason Cates Inducted Into AATA Hall of Fame