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Featured Alumna: John Knarr, Class of
1990 |
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John
Knarr graduated from the University of Delaware Physical Therapy program in
1990. Before this, he completed a BS
in Physical Education/Athletic Training, and was the first to graduate from this
National Athletic Trainers Association approved program in December,
1976. John also earned an MS in
Physical Education with an Athletic Training Emphasis in 1981, all degrees
coming from UD. The aforementioned and next job all resulted from a
contact with a UD Alumni hiring him or putting John in the right place at the
right time. During my final days as a student at UD Dr.
Paul Mettler had discussed the possibilities of one day making the then part
time clinic into a full time teaching facility as you know it today. He
suggested that I learn as much as I could about the administrative aspects so
that I might qualify for the job once it became available. That learning
curve included jobs in local private practices in and around Wilmington,
Smyrna and Dover Delaware but the best learning opportunity I had was from
working with Pat Croce of Sports Physical Therapists Inc. The one time PT
turned 76ers President now star of his own TV weekday series "Movin
In" provided me with a wealth of experiences to better enable me to open
the Clinic in McKinly Lab. When I took the job the
Clinic was the old classroom for the program and had all of the student desks
scattered about the main classroom with exercise equipment tossed randomly
about. Yes, the entire program was located in the basement and split between two
classrooms. One of which was adjacent to the current clinic and now a
computer lab. The director’s office was originally "The
Closet". Everything that wasn't
nailed down was stuffed inside with the door promptly closed hoping nothing
would fall to block it from opening again. So with a skeletal budget for the
first year we begged borrowed and stole (legally begged till it hurt) enough
to clean out the closet and get us up and running. The clinic met with
support from the entire University Community and Administration, especially
the Arts and Science Deans office. If it wasn't for their commitment (then
Dean Maggie Anderson and Associate Hayward Brock) to Paul Mettler and the PT
Department the clinic might not have occurred. The position of Clinic
Director also gave me the opportunity to meet with University officials
regarding the Business we were developing as well as other disciplines within
the University. My Mentor in the
Athletic Training Department was Keith Handling and his Mentor Retired Doc C.
Roy Rylander. This relationship helped to bridge the PT/ATC gap that exists
at most institutions and we had an ideal opportunity to share experiences for
both disciplines. The director’s position gave me the opportunity to
meet with other college disciplines that helped the clinic tremendously. Ken
Beiderman was the Dean of the Business school and he offered valuable advice
and insight to the business aspect of what we do. My last year at UD was 1999. I had
developed the blueprints for the remodeling of the clinic to what it is today
prior to leaving for my present opportunity in California.
I have been honored to
treat a former President of the United States, professional athletes
from golf, football, baseball, tennis, skating, basketball, soccer as well as
individuals from the movie, film and music industries. Some of these
individuals were involved with the following TV or Movie productions: Caddy
Shack, Cheers, Friends, Thelma and Louise, and Hannibal to name a few. Others
had hit songs/albums that have had a significant longevity in music and are
still doing tours today.
Involvement with UD is
Still an Important Part of John’s Life and Career UD still has a place in my
heart today. I will be forever grateful to Paul Mettler for believing in me
and giving me the opportunity to achieve what I have. I remain in close
contact with numerous members of the current faculty for a variety of
reasons. Some professional but mostly for the personal friendships that the
University has afforded me. Of course I believe in the academic process and
will always want to stimulate a new student to our profession. Our journey is
never ending as is our pursuit of knowledge. I gain something from each and
every student I encounter and hope I provide as much to them as they do to
me. We currently reserve slots for UD students every year in our clinics.
I feel blessed that I've had these
experiences in my career and life and I am confident that all the education I
received at the University of Delaware more than prepared me to achieve this
level of success along the way. |
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