PHOTO PROVIDED Commonwealth University-Lock Haven student Andrew Wehrle, gained professional experience during an externship at Shippensburg University. Wehrle is a master of science student in athletic training.

LOCK HAVEN — Andrew Wehrle, a Master of Science student in athletic training at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, completed a full immersion experience with the sports medicine staff at Shippensburg University.

While at Shippensburg, Wehrel worked under the supervision of Wes Mallicone MS, LAT, ATC and Miranda Fisher MS, LAT, ATC. Fisher earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Lock Haven in 2010.

The athletic training students at Lock Haven take part in a semester-long immersion experience to provide students with intensive, real-world exposure to the role of athletic trainers, allowing them to develop practical skills, gain professional experience and prepare for their future careers.

During his immersive experience, Wehrle, of Punxsutawney, provided care, preventative measures, evaluation, treatment and supportive athletic training techniques to student-athletes. He designed and implemented exercise rehabilitation programs for the return to activity of athletes after an injury and helped coordinate health care services in the four sports medicine facilities at Shippensburg for the over 500 student-athletes participating in 20 NCAA intercollegiate athletic sports programs.

Wehrle was provided the opportunity to work as an athletic trainer at the men’s and women’s Indoor PSAC Track and Field Championships at Lehigh University, working with a total of 15 collegiate teams. Additionally, he helped provide pre- and post-event preparation, injury prevention and emergency medical care at four outdoor track and field home meets hosted by Shippensburg University.

Wehrle practiced his exercise rehabilitation programming by working extensively in the Shippensburg Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Facility and constructed and assisted in the development of numerous post-operative rehabilitation programs for student-athletes.

“Wehrle is a caring individual who exhibits enthusiasm, initiative and a positive professional appearance, personality and attitude. He demonstrates patience and listens to the individual, whom he is providing sports medicine services to,” Mallicone said. “These attributes garnered him respect from the athletic administration, the coaches and most importantly the student-athletes during his time at Shippensburg University.”

Wehrle credits the sports medicine staff at Shippensburg as helping him develop confidence as a clinician.

“Under the leadership of Wes and Miranda, I enhanced my critical thinking, clinical decision-making and return-to-play management skills,” he said. “They taught me the importance of fostering a safe and positive environment for student-athletes, while shaping me into a more well-rounded professional. Wes and Miranda consistently went above and beyond their roles to ensure that my immersion experience was both meaningful and memorable.”