November 5, 2008

Dear Program Directors or Head Athletic Trainers,

I hope this letter finds you enjoying a successful and enjoyable semester. It is time to start preparing for the annual STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS at the 2009 WVATA annual meeting to be held February 13-14, 2009 at the University of Charleston.

This contest provides students with the opportunity to present his/her original ideas and objective findings before fellow students and certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, and other allied health professionals in WV. This Free Communication experience is an invaluable experience for students. It can serve as preparation for curricular research defense and may give students in incentive to participate in the NATA Research and Education Foundation Free Communication Contests at the NATA Annual Meeting.

I am excited about the opportunity that will be presented for students again this year. Applications will need to be blind. This year all students will apply for acceptance to present at the meeting. Blind abstracts will be reviewed by the Student Oral Presentation Committee and ranked. The top 6 submissions will be selected to present. Submissions must be RECEIVED no later than December 19, 2008 to be considered for review. Awards will be solely judged on the presentation given during the meeting.

Please encourage your students to submit entries! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at emrick_r@wvwc.edu or (304)473-8002.