Helmet Tracker caught up with 2017 AEMA Certification Scholarship winner Eddie Hardin as we launch the 2018 Scholarship application process. To apply for the 2018 AEMA Certification Scholarship, which repays one random Equipment Manager applicant who passes the test for the cost of the test and the study book, please visit http://helmettracker.com/aema-scholarship/.
Here's what Eddie had to say, followed by our story about the 2017 Scholarship winner.
I’d like to first say thank you to Damien Garnett and the Nevada Equipment Staff for the opportunity to accept the award (see story below).
I am currently working for Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee as the Assistant Equipment Manager. I assist with football and oversee the equipment operations of volleyball and softball. It’s been a great experience learning how to be a successful Equipment Manager under the guidance of LaTroy Johnson. His mentoring and advice have been highly effective in my growth as an Equipment Manager and for that I am grateful.
Since being certified at the 2017 AEMA convention in Atlanta, Georgia, I’ve also had the opportunity to work the Developmental Games and the International Bowl for USA Football as one of three Equipment Managers throughout the two week intervals.
Being certified has been a big step in my career as an equipment manager because with the certification I’m able to express that I can do my job to the best of my ability all while ensuring the safety of the players and staff come first. – Eddie Hardin, January 2018.
The generosity and camaraderie of Equipment Managers allows us to award the 2017 AEMA Scholarship to Eddie Hardin just weeks after announcing another winner.
“I am grateful,” Eddie told us this week. “It means a lot going from an intern to my first real job—having bills to pay!”
Eddie sat for the Athletic Equipment Managers’ Association certification exam in June during the Atlanta convention. He passed and immediately added his certification to his resume. Soon he was being interviewed. Now, he begins a job as Assistant to the Director of Equipment Operations at Tennessee State University.
“Camp starts this week, so we are really hopping here,” he said.
GENEROSITY OF NEVADA
Helmet Tracker announced earlier this month that Michael Dryer won the scholarship, and indeed he did. When we contacted the University of Nevada, which paid for his exam, we were asked to pass it along.
“We are always looking for opportunities to help out, too,” Damien Garnett, Assistant Athletic Director of Equipment at Nevada, told us. “Pass it on. We are glad to help out.”
AEMA Office Manager Sam Trusner had picked Michael’s name randomly from an Illini helmet with names of those who applied for the scholarship. Ten equipment managers applied. Eddie’s name was picked as a runner-up, if needed.
AEMA CERTIFICATION KEY
Eddie, now a Tiger, worked a
t USA Football camps this summer while looking for full-time work. He said getting certified by AEMA was key to landing a job.
“I believe getting certified served a huge role. Before, when I applied to jobs I didn’t feel like I was getting a good look. Since I got certified I had more confidence and felt like I was seen as a professional.”
“It really helped me out. Absolutely.”
To read Eddie’s story, please visit http://helmettracker.com/meet-equipment-manager-eddie-hardin/
To apply for the 2018 Helmet Tracker Scholarship, please visit http://helmettracker.com/aema-scholarship/