10:21 a.m., July 22, 2010----An undergraduate scholarship has been established in honor of Keith Handling, long-time athletic trainer and associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at the University of Delaware. The award was unveiled at a UD alumni event in Philadelphia on June 23, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

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Handling, who joined UD in 1972, served as head athletic trainer from 1988 to 2008 and as director of the UD Athletic Training Education Program from 1988 to 2002.

“Keith has worked hard over the past 38 years to put UD athletic training on the map,” says Thomas Kaminski, professor and director of athletic training education at UD. “Honoring him in this way was only fitting, and to be able to do it in Philly, where our reception drew more than 150 athletic training alums, made the occasion even more special.”

The scholarship will be given annually to an undergraduate student in the UD athletic training program who “shows a sincere desire to enter the health-care profession and demonstrates the qualities of respect, responsibility, and concern for others without prejudice or intolerance.” Selection criteria include grade point average, total clinical experience hours, and extracurricular activities and community service related to athletic training.

The scholarship announcement notes: “Through Keith's hard work, commitment, and dedication, the undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program flourished into one of the most respected and recognizable programs in the country. The scholarship award is meant to support this legacy and Keith's commitment to the profession of athletic training and his passion for caring for physically active individuals in their pursuit of success in athletic performance.”

Handling holds bachelor's degrees in physical education and physical therapy from UD and a master's in physical education from West Chester University. He joined the UD staff in 1972 as an assistant to Roy Rylander.

Handling was honored in 2008 with the Ted Quedenfield Award for outstanding athletic training service in the greater Philadelphia area. He is a member of both the Delaware Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the Delaware Special Olympics Hall of Fame. He is also a former director of Delaware Special Olympics and has been a member of the organization's board of directors since 1974.

In 1995, Handling received the Delaware Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year Award, and he was the recipient of the Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award for the State of Delaware in 1992 and again in 1999. He has also served as head trainer for eight Delaware Blue-Gold All-Star Games, which feature the top high school seniors in the state.

To donate to the new scholarship, visit this website and note “Keith Handling Award” in the “Other” designation on the form.

Article by Diane Kukich