By Andrea Hein, communications intern

A recent transition into the Big 12 athletic conference last July has presented changes in the athletic training department. Athletic training students have seen competitive differences and new regulations this school year that may affect their experience.

In previous conferences, specifically the Mountain West, athletic training students did not need to worry about whether they would be permitted on the field for football games. However, in accordance to Big 12 regulations, a limited number of students can actually stand on the sidelines during games.

Many students have been understanding of these new changes, however they have expressed feeling that they miss an experience when they sit a game out.

Sarah Manspeaker, the clinical director for athletic training placements, expressed how students tend to look on the bright side with these situations.

“They have appreciated both conferences. Our students get great opportunities, like some of the bowl games we have been invited to and the learning experiences that go along with that.”

“The timing has worked out for some students as they take the extra time to prepare for academics and tests,” Manspeaker said.

The goals and objectives for students in the athletic training program have remained constant despite the change in athletic conference.

“To me, the care you provide should not matter based on conference. [The athlete’s] health and performance is your highest concern, and they are ultimately treated the same. It shouldn’t be about what conference you are in or what bowl game you get to,” Manspeaker said.

Manspeaker explained a disadvantage that the students may not be one of the first people to see an injury due to the conference division difference. Hands-on experience may be limited in the Big 12 with the move to a Division I conference.

“We have not seen a lot of difference, however students get to see a higher level of competition, see different injuries and different physicians [in action],” Manspeaker said.

Jessica Markbreiter, a senior athletic training student, was clinically assigned to football her freshman year at TCU.

“The main difference I have noticed with the new conference is the media. We have become better known going into the new conference. And with the Big 12 many meets are closer, so for some sports there is more ability for the athletic trainers students to travel, depending on budget, which is different for each sport,” Markbreiter said.