Head Athletic Trainer Jason Cates Receives Prestigious Awards

Cabot School District's Head Athletic Trainer Jason Cates recently received two awards from the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association (SWATA). 

SWATA serves to enhance the quality of health care for the physically active, promote and advance the profession of athletic trainers, improve the working relationship between those in the industry, enhance the heath care of persons served by the membership, safeguard and advance the membership, and promote the free exchange of ideas and information within the association.

Coach Cates received the Eddie Wojecki and Bobby Gunn Unsung Hero Awards.

Eddie Wojecki Award

The SWATA Eddie Wojecki Award is voted on by the membership annually. It was created to recognize an athletic trainer in District 6 who has made outstanding contributions to SWATA within the past year.

The nomination for this award is a unique process. A committee of past recipients develops a slate of candidates. Then the overall SWATA membership choices the recipient. There are approximately 4,000 members of SWATA.

Dean Weber served on the selection committee and said, "Jason Cates deserves every recognition he receives. He is one of the most worthy athletic trainers in the state and District 6, having come up through the ranks with a strong work ethic and dedication to his athletes and service to the Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association, SWATA, and the NATA.”

Bobby Gunn “Unsung Hero” Award

This award is given annually to a member of District 6 who has served the association in a dedicated professional manner. This service may be on a volunteer "behind the scenes basis" or through appointed or elected duties. This member's time and talents have been for the betterment of the association and the advancement of the profession.

Coach Cates was selected for the Bobby Gunn award based off his work with the Kory Stringer Institute and his contribution in leadership and involvement work in secondary schools. 

Dr. Lorna Strong, current SWATA president said, “Jason Cates is a great representative for both awards. Several people, including herself, have received these awards in the past but it is very rare for one person to receive both awards in the same year like Jason. That speaks volumes on his dedication and commitment to the athletic training program and athletes he serves.”

Congratulations Coach Cates on these prestigious awards and for being a valuable asset and advocate for the Cabot School District.

Coach Cates with another award! He is the recipient of the 2020 Eddie Wojecki Award! What a great honor! @CabotAT @cabotsd @CabotHigh pic.twitter.com/frqCFZhvYV

— Cabot Athletic Dept. (@CabotAthDept) October 5, 2020

Congrats to Coach Cates for recently receiving the Bobby Gunn 'Unsung Hero' Award from SWATA! Well deserved, Coach Cates! @CabotAT @NATA1950 @CabotHigh @cabotsd pic.twitter.com/m0pFKE66O2

— Cabot Athletic Dept. (@CabotAthDept) October 5, 2020