The Johnson State College athletics department has hired two new athletic trainers for the 2013-14 year. Jackie Walsh will assume the head athletic trainer position and will be assisted by Alex Fusco.  

Walsh comes to Johnson after completing her master’s in athletic training from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. Prior to her graduate work, Walsh earned her bachelor’s in athletic training from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.

Walsh has experience with high school, NCAA Division I and II, professional and Olympic athletes. Walsh also holds certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning specialist (CSCS) and is a certified USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach.

“I’m so excited to join the ‘Badger Den,’” Walsh said, referring to the nickname for the JSC Athletics Department. “I’m proud to be a part of Johnson Athletics and can already tell that the department is well on its way to the next level.”

Fusco joins Johnson after graduating from Colby-Sawyer College, a fellow North Atlantic Conference school, where he earned his bachelor’s in athletic training. Fusco’s experience includes work with high school and NCAA Division I and III athletes as well as volunteer work as a first responder on site at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to work at a place like Johnson as my first job out of college,” Fusco said. “The student-athletes have been fantastic, and I’m excited to work with Jackie to continue to improve our athletic training program.”

Both trainers care for the roughly 150- varsity-student athletes on campus, rehabilitating injured athletes and assisting coaches with strength and conditioning plans.  Walsh and Fusco arrive at Johnson after the departure of longtime head and assistant trainers Rene Breault and Betsy O’Rourke.

“Jackie and Alex are great additions to our department,” Director of Athletics and Recreation Jamey Ventura said. “Alex hit the ground running coming in just days before our preseason and hasn’t missed a beat. He made sure our students were well taken care of before their first competitions. Jackie began work Sept. 2, and has already impressed us with her passion for athletic training. We are looking forward to incorporating them both into our growing department.”