New Columbus North athletic trainer Chance Newkirk poses for a photo in the athletic treatment room at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Being a former athlete, Chance Newkirk saw his fair share of injuries during his high school career.
It was what inspired Newkirk to give back to the athletes. He began this summer as a new athletic trainer for Columbus North.
Newkirk resides in North Vernon and graduated from Jennings County in 2018. He went to college at University of Indianapolis and got his bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He stayed at UIndy to earn his master’s degree in athletic training.
Newkirk played soccer for four years and was on the wrestling team his sophomore, junior and senior years for the Panthers. He spent a lot of time in the school’s athletic training room, which helped him get a first glimpse of what athletic training is about.
“In high school, I had multiple injuries and concussions, so I spent a lot of time with my athletic trainer (Melanie Anderson) at the time,” Newkirk said. “Spending time with her, I was like, ‘I want to do the same thing for kids in the future.’ I kind of fell in love with the profession from there.”
Newkirk will work alongside Kate Cockerham, who is beginning her third year as an athletic trainer at North.
“Kate’s been great. She’s been real supportive in anything,” Newkirk said. “If I had questions on anything, she’s been there to help me out. If I have a case where I’m not 100% sure what’s going on, I can have Kate take a look real quick to make sure I’m not being crazy and seeing something I’m not. She’s been really helpful.”
Newkirk fills the void left by Ashley Martin, who left to take a similar position at Carmel last year.
Two years ago, Cockerham was in Newkirk’s shoes. Cockerham got to ask questions and learn from Martin.
“He’s jumped right in and started helping me evaluate kids,” Cockerham said. “With this being his first real job, he’s trying to get the hang of everything… He’s been great.”
Newkirk is appreciative of all the support he has received so far during his short time at North.
“I’ve loved it so far. All of the coaches have been really supportive and really nice. All of the athletes have been really good,” Newkirk said. “I’ve liked it so far. It has been really welcoming.”
