Rams Reflect: Athletic Trainer Rick Cox
The 2021 Rams Reflect is the eighth in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
In a special edition Rams Reflect, Rick Cox, Head Athletic Trainer, reflects on his near five-year stint with Ram Nation.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
When I arrived at Suffolk in the summer of 2018, the athletic training department was a different place. Physically, it existed in an entirely different room, and philosophically it was in the infant stages of being created. I was immediately tasked with helping hire staff, and one of my first goals was to build relationships with the coaches and athletes I would work with daily.
The first year was a whirlwind. This was my first job as a head athletic trainer, and it was more responsibility, oversite, and stress than I have ever experienced professionally. However, I have also never had more fun as an athletic trainer. From treatments on the benches in the weight room, to rehab in the hallway, to working with Nick and Erin to schedule treatments when our singular table was available, this environment was one that required creativity, fast thinking, and organization.
Once we finished the renovation and our new AT room was complete, we had more space and more toys, but I still strived to make sure that my relationships with the athletes at Suffolk were my greatest priority. That is what I will miss more than anything. Everyone I have worked with over the past several years has made my life better. Suffolk has some of the best coaches, administrators, and student-athletes I have worked with in my life. My memories of working with everyone will be what I treasure the most after my departure.
Sam, thank you for everything. Working alongside you for the last year and a half has been great. The athletic training room is in good hands with you!
Levi, I know we have only known each other for a short time, but I have no doubt you will provide a high level of care for the Rams.
For everyone asking me what I am going to do with @strongrams, I still don’t know. It has been a bit of a time capsule that allows me to go back and remember what it was originally like when I got here, and to see athletes that have since moved on. It will always be important to me.
I will always be a fan of Suffolk athletics. I will miss the people, and I will miss seeing the athletes compete every day. I will never forget you. You will seem me at games when I can make it, and I will be checking box scores. Continue to make Suffolk the amazing place that it is. It is that way because of you.
Go Rams!