CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama

Profile 2008

Related Photos

Discussion

March 29, 2008

SCOTT LOCKRIDGE: Training for the future

By Justin Graves

Scott Lockridge has it made.

Not only is the SportsFirst athletic trainer in a profession that he loves, but he’s also in a position where he can help his stepson prepare for a career in sports medicine.

Lockridge serves as the athletic trainer for Cullman High School, where he also heads an internship program for students. And since Lockridge’s stepson, Cody Miller, is a freshman at Cullman, he decided to help his stepfather out.

When Lockridge took a position with SportsFirst, starting a student internship program was something he wanted to do.

“That was actually something I asked for when I took the job,” Lockridge said. “I wanted to start a program where I could work with the students here at the school.

“So far, everything has gone well. One of my former students recently graduated from Alabama and is working as a trainer. We also have a few more in college. So this has been everything I hoped it would be.”

When Miller signed up to work with his stepfather, he wasn’t sure if sports medicine was something he would be interested in. But after working at Cullman for almost a year has helped the freshman make up his mind.

Miller said he hopes to attend the University of Alabama after graduating from Cullman in three years. After that, Lockridge hopes his son will decided to attend graduate school — possibly at LSU.

“Oh yeah, this is something I would like to do,” Miller said. “It really is a fun job. We go to all the games, work with the athletes and help them stay healthy. I really like it.”

When it comes to his interns, teaching and providing guidance is Lockridge’s main priority. But the Cullman trainer admits its nice to have his step son with him at work.

“We get to spend a lot of quality time together,” Lockridge said. “Who wouldn’t want that. I think it’s been really good for us. On top of that, I get a chance to help his future. He’s already knows a lot about the anatomy of the ankle, so I’m helping him get a head start. It’s a great opportunity for both of us. I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.”

Even though Miller has a unique relationship with Lockridge, the Cullman trainer still treats all of his interns the same.

Lockridge currently has three student interns: Miller, Hannah Powell and Candice Crider. Lockridge works with all three trainers, passing along advice and offering guidance when he can. And according to Miller, all of the interns know they’ve got one of the best on-the-job teachers they could ask for.

“He knows his stuff,” Miller said. “He’s been doing this forever. So when he tells us something, we listen.

Teaching student interns and working with student athletes at Cullman is only two of Lockridge’s many duties as an athletic trainer. In fact, Lockridge said its not uncommon for him to get a call about a student getting injured in P.E.

Even though Lockridge’s usually consists of long work days with awkward hours, the Cullman trainer said he’s completely happy about what he does.

“Look at it this way: I’m exactly where everyone wants to be,” he said. “I work around athletics, I’m always around the team and I’m on the sidelines at games. It’s the perfect job. That’s the way I look at it. I’ve got the job that everyone wants.”

Text Only
Profile 2008
  • images_sizedimage_089212945 UNSUNG HERO: James Bell James Bell — better known as “Bubba” — is a custodian at Cullman Middle School. While his job at the school is important, it’s the way he interacts with the students and other staff members that makes him an Unsung Hero.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089213007 UNSUNG HERO: Brenda Graham The person who nominated her said, “I was always amazed at how she cared for all the children as if they were her own. She gave love and caring, and bought countless coats, shoes, toys and clothes out of her own money.”

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089213053 UNSUNG HERO: Martha Gutherie Martha Gutherie retired from the Parkside Middle School lunch room two years ago. Since then, she has volunteered her time at the school to help children read. Teachers and students look forward to this Unsung Hero coming every Thursday to read with the kids.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089212556 UNSUNG HERO: Dee Lawrence Losing both her parents at such a young age gave her an extra ability to care for other people. She makes sure that anyone who crosses her path is taken care of.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089213110 UNSUNG HERO: Marvin Key Marvin Key began his career in education in 1952 at Meek School in Winston County. The next year he came to Cullman County to teach at Dowling Junior High. He retired in 1988 but continued to work until the beginning of this year at age 85.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089212605 UNSUNG HERO: Billie Sue Persall Love is best shown when someone gives of their time and energy. Anyone who helps others when they are sick, injured or moving into a new home is a special person.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089212628 UNSUNG HERO: Cathy Pilgrim The person who nominated Cathy Pilgrim as an Unsung Hero described her as “one of the most unselfish, caring and generous people I know.”

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089212521 UNSUNG HERO: Grace Walsh Grace Walsh had a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, including a quarter century teaching art history at Jefferson State Community College.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • ALCUL101 2008 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN: Dr. Sylvia Morris

    Holding two floppy-brim black hats, Dr. Sylvia Morris says proudly, “I made these hats for the community theater play, ‘Romeo & Juliet.’” Nearby her beloved cat, Jennifer, lies curled up in a soft chair, sunlight filtering through drawn curtains.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_089202715 MARIMAN POPE AND KRISTINA MATTOX: Taxidermist passing the torch In the 45 years that Mariman Pope has been in the taxidermy trade, he’s created quite a reputation for both himself, and his business.

    March 29, 2008 1 Photo