Billy Pickard day at Texas A&M

This past weekend at my alma mater Texas A&M University one of the greats of our profession was honored for a lifetime of service to not only athletic training, but also the school that he loves. It was Billy Pickard day at Texas A&M and this recognition couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. Over the past 50+ years there is no one who has spent more time in and around Kyle Field working for the Aggies than Mr. Pickard. In that same time there are very few people who have done as much for the profession of athletic training as well as the NATA. Mr. Pickard is a NATA and SWATA Hall of Famer. He got his start as a student trainer under Paul "Bear" Bryant back in the 50's where he was the one student who traveled with the team to Junction. If you ever get a chance to read "The Junction Boys" you not be disappointed. Mr. Pickard was one of the first secondary school athletic trainers in Texas before he returned to his beloved Texas A&M to work as the athletic trainer for many years before eventually moving into athletic administration. The University has also renamed the pedestrian walkway under Wellborn Road the Billy Pickard Pedestrian Passway or Pickard Pass for short.

As someone who learned so much about athletic training, the value of hard work, loyalty, and love of what you do I would like to salute you Mr. Pickard because I would most certainly not be what I am today without your insight, guidance, and love.

Mike Carroll '90

SWATA President